A New Year's Present From Mother Nature

Apparently we are in line to receive a New Year’s present from Mother Nature--

Low pressure will continue to strengthen as it moves from Lower Michigan into Quebec tonight. The pressure gradient will remain tight on the back side of this low, and combined with much colder air. Westerly winds will remain strong this afternoon and evening. These strong winds will begin to slowly diminish tonight.

Areas Affected:

Winnebago-Boone-McHenry-Lake(I)l-Ogle-Lee-DeKalb-Kane-DuPage-Cook-LaSalle-Kendall-Grundy-Will-Kankakee-Livingston-Iroquois-Ford,-Lake(IN)-Porter-Newton-Jasper-Benton--

Including the cities of Rockford, Belvidere, Woodstock, Waukegan, Dixon, DeKalb, Aurora, Wheaton, Chicago, Ottawa, Oswego, Morris, Joliet, Kankakee, Pontiac, Watseka, Paxton, Gary, Valparaiso, Morocco, Rensselaer, Fowler.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

1135 AM CST
.Wind Advisory Remains In Effect Until Midnight CST /1 AM EST/Tonight.
* Timing -- Strong Winds Will Continue Through Tonight.

*West Winds Averaging Around 35 MPH Will Be Gusting Up To 45 MPH.

A Few Gusts Around 55 MPH Are Possible.

*Impacts-- smaller tree limbs and power lines may be blown down.
Light weight or unsecured objects can be blown away.

Driving will be difficult -- especially north- south-oriented roads.

High profile vehicles like full size vans, buses and semi-trailers especially if empty or carrying a light load can be prone to being tipped by the higher wind gusts.

Precautionary/Preparedness Actions.
A wind advisory means that sustained winds of 30 to 39 MPH or gusts between 45 & 57 MPH are likely. Winds this strong can cause minor property damage unless precautions are taken.

Driving may be difficult especially in high profile vehicles. Motorists should be alert & use caution.