Wickedly windy weather leading up to Halloween

10/28/2012

In the days leading up to Halloween, count on some wickedly windy weather in the Toledo area.

A high wind warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for noon Monday to 4 p.m. Tuesday in several northwest Ohio counties, including Lucas, Wood, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, and Hancock. 

In addition, the National Weather Service has issued a lakeshore flood warning for areas including Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, and Erie counties; that warning is in effect from noon Monday to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

The National Weather Service, in issuing the warnings, stated that the remnants of Hurricane Sandy are expected to move into western Pennsylvania and briefly stall before moving slowly north later in the week. The storm system is expected to bring with it strong, possibly damaging winds.

Winds north to northwest of 30 to 40 mph with gusts 55 to 60 mph are expected Monday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon. Strong winds combined with saturated ground will result in downed trees and utility lines, according to the weather service which anticipates power and travel likely will be interrupted in some northwest Ohio areas. Roof and siding damage is predicted as well.

A high wind warning is issued when sustained winds of 40 mph are expected for at least an hour with gusts of 58 mph or greater. 

Storm force winds from the north on Lake Erie will force water levels to rise on the south shore of the lake and combine with large waves to produce flooding and erosion of the coastal areas, according to the weather service that listed impacts including potential flooding in bays, inlets, and areas normally protected by break walls. Extensive erosion of beaches and shoreline areas is likely to occur with possible damage to structures in the water and along the beach, including boats, boathouses, piers and docks.