Feb 24: Wind Storm Approaching

Discussion: Upper-level energy has aggressively tracked across the US from SW to NE. This upper-level energy is powering a strong surface low which has just tracked through the Great Lakes and will continue towards SE Canada. The low currently has a centralized pressure reading of 975mb and has complete control of the surrounding region wind-wise. The isobars are tight and concentric which means the high wind warnings are now flying.

The last of the rain is finishing up now. I expect skies to improve and even transition to sunny breaks by late-afternoon. We’ll be in the nose of a warm sector so it could feel very mild heading into sunset. Winds should eventually pick-up out of the W/NW by 4pm. Given how tight the isobars are and how strong the low is I’m expecting a rather gusty Sunday late-afternoon through overnight and well into Monday. Sunday afternoon and evening winds should produce widespread sustained winds of 15-25mph with gusts to 40+mph. Peak wind conditions should occur between late Sunday night (tonight) and late-morning/early-afternoon Monday with sustained winds of 20-30mph and gusts in the 50-60mph range. We commonly experience these winds during severe thunderstorms so it’s nothing new. It’s the prolonged nature of the gusty period that could produce higher frequency of wind-related damage.

I expect winds to lessen some Monday afternoon through Monday night but still be noticeably present. Winds should then significantly subside into early Tuesday morning. I’ll have the Monday-Friday outlook posted later tonight which will cover that period and forward. No major snow storms are on the horizon which pretty much takes us to the end of peak snow season. I’d be a fool to rule out snow in March however so as usual, every 7 days at a time.

In English: Rain is just ending and winds will pick up for this evening and overnight. Temps could spike pretty mild if the sun can poke through enough later this afternoon. Gusty winds, capable of producing minor siding/roof damage, power outages, downed trees limbs/branches, etc., are expected between this evening and tomorrow (Monday) afternoon. There’s no precipitation or other weather-related hazard involved. Wind only. I recommend securing loose stuff outside including garbage cans, recycling cans and small human beings. Download the new free Weather NJ mobile app on Apple and/or Android. It’s the easiest way to never miss Weather NJ content. Our premium services go even further above and beyond at the hyperlocal level. Have a great rest of your Sunday and please be safe! JC

Jonathan Carr

Jonathan Carr (JC) is the founder and sole operator of Weather NJ, New Jersey’s largest independent weather reporting agency. Since 2010, Jonathan has provided weather safety and forecasting services for New Jersey and immediate surrounding areas through the web, social media, and app spaces. Originally branded as Severe NJ Weather (before 2014), Weather NJ is proud to bring you accurate and responsible discussions ahead of high-stakes weather scenarios that impact the garden state. All Weather. All New Jersey.™