Buffalo, NY – Powerful wind gusts are already slamming parts of western New York early Saturday, with peak gusts between 55 and 65 mph near Lake Erie creating the potential for downed trees, power outages, and hazardous travel during the morning hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, southwest to west winds strengthened overnight and will continue producing widespread gusts between 40 and 55 mph inland, while the strongest gusts approaching 65 mph are expected along the Lake Erie shoreline, including Buffalo, Dunkirk, and Hamburg. Winds should gradually ease later this morning.
Communities including Buffalo, Jamestown, Batavia, Medina, and Rochester could see brief bursts of strong wind capable of snapping small branches or pushing unsecured objects into roadways. High-profile vehicles may struggle on exposed stretches of Interstate 90, the Skyway (NY-5), and the Lake Ontario State Parkway where crosswinds will be strongest.
Forecasters warn that saturated ground from recent precipitation increases the chance of uprooted trees, which could lead to scattered power outages across Erie, Niagara, and Chautauqua counties.
Residents should secure trash bins and outdoor furniture, avoid parking under large trees, and remain cautious on elevated roadways until winds weaken late this morning. Additional wind advisories may remain in place across western New York as conditions gradually improve through the day.
