State College, Pennsylvania – Strong west winds are sweeping across central Pennsylvania Friday, creating dangerous travel conditions and raising the risk of widespread power outages that could last into the overnight hours.
According to the National Weather Service in State College, a High Wind Warning remains in effect until early Saturday for Bedford, Blair, Cambria, and Somerset counties. Sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected, with gusts reaching up to 60 mph, especially along ridgetops above 2,000 feet. The strongest winds are expected from Friday afternoon through the evening hours.
Communities including Johnstown, Altoona, Somerset, and Bedford are likely to see the greatest impacts. Trees and power lines may come down as gusts intensify, leading to scattered to widespread outages. Travel will be difficult on exposed highways and elevated roadways, particularly for high profile vehicles traveling along routes such as U.S. 22, U.S. 30, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike through the mountains.
Emergency officials urge residents to secure loose outdoor items and holiday decorations before winds peak. Drivers should remain alert for falling debris and sudden crosswinds, especially in higher elevations and open areas.
The High Wind Warning remains in effect through Friday night, with winds expected to slowly weaken after midnight. Power restoration and cleanup efforts may continue into early Saturday as conditions gradually improve.
