...
By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
A new surge of warnings advised millions of Americans to stay away from their windows for as much as 15 hours on Friday.
The warning was issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) as strong winds tore across the United States. In some parts of the country, wind gusts as high as 85 mph were expected. These wind speeds are strong enough to make it difficult to drive not only high-profile vehicles, but also normal cars, NWS meteorologist Colby Goatley told Newsweek. During a high wind warning, powerful gusts can turn everyday objects into airborne debris, shatter glass, and cause structural damage with little warning. When winds reach the thresholds indicated in these alerts, windows become one of the most vulnerable points in a home or building, increasing the risk of injury from broken glass or flying objects striking the exterior.
Emergency officials urge people to stay away from windows for the full duration of the warning, which in some cases lasted 15 hours, to reduce the risk of being struck by glass or debris as sudden gusts intensify rapidly.
Read More on Weather
...
High-wind warnings advising people to avoid windows during the windstorm were issued in Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana.
"Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles," NWS Grand Rapids, Michigan, said in a high wind warning.
"Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution if you must drive," NWS Baltimore, Maryland, said in a high wind warning.
In most cases, the high wind warnings will expire by Friday afternoon or Friday night.
Less severe wind advisories were even more widespread, stretching from Kentucky up through Wisconsin to the northwest and New York in the northeast. Similar warnings were issued across the Intermountain West.
High Wind Warning vs. Wind Advisory
A high wind warning is issued when sustained winds or gusts are strong enough to cause widespread damage, typically involving gust thresholds around 58 mph or higher. A wind advisory covers lower but still hazardous winds—conditions that can make driving difficult and blow around unsecured items, but are less likely to cause structural damage. The key difference is severity: advisories signal disruptive winds, while warnings indicate winds strong enough to pose a direct risk to safety and property.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines