A high wind warning is in effect for all of Western New York. Wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour are expected both Thursday and Friday. The high winds are causing waves in Lake Erie, causing a lakeshore flood warning for Erie, Niagara and Chautauqua counties until 10 p.m. Thursday. Areas near Route 5 and Hamburg could see some shoreline erosion.
“A lakeshore weather advisory is in effect for Lake Erie with the southwest winds bringing waves 15 feet or so and the water levels are expected to rise seven feet above the low water dam,” says meteorologist David Thomas with the National Weather Service.
With winds maintaining such high speeds, Thomas advises placing any loose outdoor items inside or tied down for the next two days.
“The high winds can bring damages as far as bringing down a few trees, possible poles and wires," he said.
There is also a chance of snow showers over the weekend, with the first measurable accumulation of the season possible.
“The cold front coming across Western New York will be filtering across the region, possibly bringing some minor accumulation south of Buffalo Friday night into Saturday morning,” Thomas added.