Strong winds to threaten tree damage, power outages in Midwest and Northeast through Sunday

By Renee Duff, AccuWeather meteorologist

Gusty winds whipping from the midwestern to the northeastern United States through Sunday will threaten to cause travel disruptions and damage in some communities.

Winds will strengthen around a storm unleashing a major snow event across the North Central states and an outbreak of severe storms farther south.

Gusts of 40-55 mph will be common from the central Plains to the Ohio Valley, Great Lakes and interior Northeast. However, gusts will be higher in some locations.

During Saturday, gusts between 50 and 60 mph occurred over portions of Kansas, Nebraska, northern Oklahoma and southwestern Missouri.

While winds will not be a strong as that of the hurricane-force wind event from late February, gusts this high are still enough to topple trees and power lines and trigger sporadic power outages.

Where gusty winds coincide with heavy snowfall across the Dakotas, Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and part of northern Michigan, visibility will be greatly reduced with extensive blowing and drifting snow.

Blustery conditions will linger even after the heaviest snow has tapered off in the Upper Midwest on Sunday, whipping around any freshly fallen snow and prolonging poor visibility conditions.

Motorists will need to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel, in addition to slowing down on any snow-covered roadways.

"Any airline delays at major hubs, such as Chicago and Detroit, can have ripple effects at other airports across the country," AccuWeather Meteorologist Faith Eherts said.

"Those with travel plans should check with their airline to stay up to date on any delays or cancellations," she added.

During Saturday night and Sunday, strong winds are likely to reach the Appalachians and perhaps the upper mid-Atlantic and New England coasts later Sunday to Sunday night.

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The gusty winds will be accompanied by areas of rain, snow and ice in the Northeast.

"Winds will be strongest near the eastern Great Lakes, but some locally damaging gusts can occur over the central Appalachians and along the immediate Atlantic coast," according to AccuWeather Senior meteorologist Alex Sosnowski.

An AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 60 mph is forecast along the immediate shoreline of Lake Ontario, including around Buffalo, New York.

Residents should make sure loose outdoor items are secured or brought inside before the winds pick up.

"Anyone who does need to be out and about this weekend should travel with extreme caution, as falling branches and trees can result in injury and block roadways," Eherts said.

Download the free AccuWeather app to see the latest forecast and weather warnings for your area.