By Joycec Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – High winds are causing damage and power outages throughout the region and have forced The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission to close the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge.
There are downed power lines and trees throughout the region, with residents in several communities without power.
National Grid reported that about 800 people in and around the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation were without power Thursday morning. 400 more were affected in Lackawanna.
More than 3,000 customers were without power throughout Niagara County, including the towns of Newfane, Cambria-Wilson and Ransomville. Some roads in Ransomville were temporarily closed.
Power lines and trees also are down throughout Erie, Niagara and Chautauqua Counties.
High winds tipped over a tractor-trailer on Interstate 190 just south of the international crossing. Bridge officials closed the bridge to all truck traffic, but later closed the bridge to all traffic due to the high winds.
State police said traffic is being diverted to the Peace Bridge or to Niagara County Community College until conditions improve.
Gusts have been reported up to 59 mph at Niagara Falls International Airport and higher in other areas.
High wind warnings remain in effect for Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties throughout Thursday.