The January thaw continues in Western New York, with a round of rain and gusty winds to ring in the weekend across the Buffalo-Niagara region.
"By this afternoon, we're going to be looking at winds rapidly increasing in strength," National Weather Service meteorologist Dave Thomas tells WBEN.
High Wind Warnings are now posted for all of WNY through 10 p.m.
"The winds are going to be the main story," Thomas notes. "We're looking for southwest winds this afternoon of potentially gusting to 60 mph."
Timing of the peak wind gusts off Lake Erie will likely be in a 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. window. Strongest gusts may not be along the shoreline, but farther inland, forecasters say.
Another period of strong, potentially advisory-worthy winds, remains possible across much of the area later Saturday night and Sunday.
The rainfall, about a quarter of an inch, will be enough to swell local creeks and waterways, however no widespread flooding issues are expected as a result.
The unseasonable temperatures will remain through Saturday, with a return to a more winter-like feel on Sunday, as temperatures hover around the freezing mark with the potential for some lake effect snow.
"We could see an inch or two in the Buffalo metro area," Thomas says. "Greater accumulations, 4 inches or so, will be found across the Boston Hills and down toward the southern tier."
HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM THIS MORNING TO 10 PM EST THIS EVENING
* WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. Strongest gusts likely between 3 pm and 7 pm.
* WHERE...Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Northern Erie, Genesee, and Wyoming Counties.
* WHEN...From 7 AM this morning to 10 PM EST 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.
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.
HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EST THIS EVENING
* WHAT...South to southeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph through this morning. Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph late morning through the early evening.
* WHERE...Chautauqua and Southern Erie Counties. Strongest gusts through the morning will be downslope regions of the Chautauqua Ridge to the Lake Erie shoreline. Strongest gusts late morning and through the evening hours will be region-wide.
* WHEN...Until 10 PM EST this evening. Peak gusts likely between 3 pm and 7 pm.
* 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...Wind gusts this morning will be perpendicular to the New York State Thruway, making for challenging travel for high profile vehicles.
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.