BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The National Weather Service has issued a high wind watch from Sunday afternoon to Monday afternoon for Lehigh and Northampton counties.
Just before 3 a.m. Saturday, it said west winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts of 50 to 60 mph are possible for parts of central, northern and northwest New Jersey and east central and southeast Pennsylvania.
It warned that damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines and that widespread power outages are possible and advised that loose objects should be fastened, or shelter objects in a safe location before it gets windy.
"We are most concerned about the potential for power outages combined with the cold, which could exacerbate the impacts of this high wind event for folks that lose power with it being so cold out. Please take this event seriously!"The National Weather Service in Mt. Holly, N.J.
In addition, travel could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles, such as cars, trucks and SUVs that sit higher off the ground than a standard vehicle, it said.
Excessive tree damage could result from the combination of wet soils and the high winds throughout the event, it said.
'Take this event seriously!'
While the peak gusts upward of 60 mph are not expected to prevail throughout the entire watch, the strong winds will usher in much colder air, with temperatures in the 20s and 30s and wind chills in the teens.
The NWS said that the potential for power outages combined with the cold could exacerbate the impacts of this high wind event.
"We are most concerned about the potential for power outages combined with the cold, which could exacerbate the impacts of this high wind event for folks that lose power with it being so cold out," the NWS said.
"Please take this event seriously!"
A current winter weather advisory remains in effect until 1 a.m. Sunday, with mixed precipitation expected.
Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches and ice accumulations about a tenth of an inch are expected for Lehigh and Northampton counties, and Warren County, New Jersey.
The NWS said to plan for slippery road and walkway conditions, and possible minor tree and wire damage.
