High winds to hammer northeastern US as consequence of a new 'bomb cyclone'

By Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

A storm destined to become the next 'bomb cyclone' for the United States will target the Northeast with high winds from Friday to Saturday as cold air blasts through the region.

The storm will first deliver areas of drenching rain, flooding and heavy snow to end the week. However, the most far-reaching impact of the storm will be on its tail end in the form of very blustery conditions and a return of colder air.

Residents should brace for high wind event

While perhaps not as strong as the wind event during late February in the Northeast nor as strong as the hurricane-force gusts over the Central states last week, winds will pack a punch from Friday to Saturday.

People should be prepared for power surges and localized power outages.

The anticipated wind gusts can break large tree limbs and topple weakly rooted trees or trees that have remained upright in the soggy soil.

Wind gusts in the neighborhood of 40-50 mph will be more common. However, much stronger gusts close to 60 mph cannot be ruled out, especially over the ridges and high bridges in the region, as well as through the gaps in the mountains, along the shoreline of the Great Lakes and even between tall buildings in the cities.

The powerful winds are forecast to affect areas from the Great Lakes to the central Appalachians on Friday then spread toward the mid-Atlantic and New England coasts by Saturday.

Loose items that may have been placed in the yard from recent mild conditions and spring activities should be secured. These include trash cans, trampolines and lawn furniture as they can become airborne projectiles and cause significant property damage or become a hazard to passing motorists and pedestrians.

The high winds can flip over large trucks and cause significant low-level turbulence for airline passengers and tricky landing and takeoffs for pilots.

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Winds will subside from southwest to northeast across the region from Saturday evening to Sunday.

Colder air to accompany high winds

The circulation around the strengthening storm will not only cause high winds but also create a large backwash of cold air.

Even though actual high and low temperatures will not be dramatically different ahead and behind the storm, the cold air will have its moments into this weekend.

While the March sun will negate some of the cold air during the day, especially when riding around in the car, the strong winds and chilly air will cause AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures to plummet into the single digits, teens and 20s.

As even colder air moves in, snow squalls and gusty cold rain showers will pivot southeastward to end the week.

The weather will neither look nor feel like early spring on Friday and Saturday as a result.

Download the free AccuWeather app to get the latest forecast and advisories for the blast of wind and cold weather on the way.