Extremely strong winds expected today

(6:55 a.m. Wednesday announcement)

[December 09, 2009]  An intense area of low pressure will lift into the Great Lakes today, resulting in strong westerly winds across central Illinois. Sustained winds will increase into the 25-35 mph range, with gusts potentially reaching 50 mph at times.

A wind advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. Wednesday for the counties of McLean, Logan, DeWitt, Piatt, Champaign, Vermilion, Cass, Menard, Scott, Morgan, Sangamon, Christian, Macon, Moultrie, Douglas, Coles, Edgar, Shelby, Cumberland, Clark, Effingham, Jasper, Crawford, Clay, Richland and Lawrence, including the cities of Bloomington, Normal, Lincoln, Champaign, Urbana, Danville, Jacksonville, Springfield, Taylorville, Decatur, Charleston, Mattoon, Shelbyville, Effingham, Flora and Lawrenceville.

Timing: Winds will be strongest from the midmorning hours through the afternoon.

Winds: Sustained winds will range from 25 to 35 mph and will gust as high as 50 mph at times.

Impacts: The strong winds will be capable of producing damage to tree branches and power lines as well as lightweight objects not anchored to the ground. Travel on north-south roads will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.

Precautionary, preparedness actions: A wind advisory means that sustained winds of 30 mph are expected. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

[Text from file received from the Emergency Email Network]