Rare June wind event expected in Western New York Thursday

Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The National Weather Service has issued a warning for a rare June wind event expected in Western New York on Thursday.

Winds are expected to reach 20 to 30 miles per hour, with gusts up to 55 miles per hour.

Check for power outages here:
- National Grid Outage Map
- NYSEG Outage Map

Meteorologist John Hitchcock of the National Weather Service said trees with full leaves could be more vulnerable and cause more damage than during winter months.

"Winds of this magnitude in the month of June, outside of thunderstorms, is very rare. I've looked back and we have never issued a wind warning for the month of June," said Hitchcock. "These wind speeds in the middle of winter would not produce much amage but since the trees are fully leafed-out, and there is new growth on the trees, that weigh the trees down, I would expect to see quite a bit more damage than we would see in the middle of winter."

Earlier Thursday, heavy rains caused flash flooding in some areas. The NWS issued a Flash Flood Warning for Northern Erie County until 10:45 a.m. for small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. Between 1.5 and 2 inches of rain fell in parts of the Buffalo Metro area.

The 33 expressway was closed in both directions for a couple of hours between the I-90 and Genesee Street due to flooding.

HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

• * WHAT...Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph
• expected.
• * WHERE...Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Genesee, Wyoming,
• Livingston, Ontario, and Chautauqua Counties.
• * WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT this evening.
• * IMPACTS...Strong winds will blow down trees and power lines.
• Scattered power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult,
• especially for high profile vehicles.
• * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Fully leafed out trees will result in more
• tree damage than with similar wind speeds during the colder months
• of the year.
• PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
• Avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees. If possible,
• remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and
• avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive.