Residents of northern Blair County peering out their windows this morning saw their first view of “Old Man Winter,” as swirling winds brought flurried snowfall last evening into this morning.
According to meteorologist from the National Weather Service, a “High Wind” warning is in effect until 12 a.m. Friday. There will be strong west to northwest winds that will continue through this evening. These winds will be sustained winds of 30 to 40 miles per hour, with some gusts reaching 60 mph Wind gusts up to 70 mph may be measured in the higher elevations.
The strongest winds will taper off by midnight. However…It will remain windy through Friday.
A high wind warning is issued when sustained winds of 40 mph are expected for an hour or more, or when gusts reach 58 mph or higher.
Winds of this magnitude can damage property and make driving of high profile vehicles difficult. Downed trees and wires will be likely with such strong winds.
Despite the wicked weather last evening, damage in northern Blair County was minimal.
“So far, the guys have been out and looking around,” said Vernon Latchford, Tyrone Borough highway supervisor, at 7:15 a.m. this morning. “I haven’t seen many limbs down or trees or anything. It’s mostly garbage.”
The scene was a little different in Bellwood. The borough secretary reported this morning that a tree came down over Main Street, but crews cut the tree up and disposed of it before it became a nuisance to morning drivers. She also said part of the rubber roofing of the borough garage was blown off because of the high winds.
Crews in Antis Township were also busy with downed trees this morning.
Highway supervisor Bob Srock told The Daily Herald that two trees were down on Watts Road, in addition to plenty of light brush and limbs scattered throughout the township.
“The guys are clearing the roads and we already had the snow plow out pushing around debris,’ said Srock. “But overall, there’s not to much damage out here.”
