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Tag: strong winds

  • Arctic cold continues grip on DC area – WTOP News

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    Subzero wind chills and highs in the 20s keep the D.C. area in a deep freeze Sunday, with a slow warmup arriving by midweek.

    Bitter cold conditions continue across the D.C. region Sunday, as wind chills drop into the teens and even below zero early on.

    Mostly cloudy and breezy conditions will keep temperatures locked in the 20s and cold weather alerts remain in effect through the morning. Winds will gradually ease later in the day, but highs stay well below freezing.

    Skies will be mostly clear in the evening, setting up another chilly stretch with lows in the single digits and wind chills near zero. Northwest winds will be lighter, but temperatures remain extremely cold.

    Expect a rebound in temperatures Monday as partly cloudy skies and light West winds move into the D.C. area, but 7News First Alert Meteorologist Jordan Evans said highs will reach around the freezing mark.

    He said a more noticeable warmup will arrive Tuesday, with mostly sunny skies and highs in the mid‑40s. Conditions return closer to normal for this time of year as melting continues.

    Wednesday could be the warmest day of the week, as temperatures rise into the upper 40s near 50. Evans said more clouds than sun and the chance for evening showers are expected.

    FORECAST

    TODAY: COLD ALERT: Mostly cloudy, breezy. Highs between 22 and 26, with a wind chill in the single digits and teens.
    Winds: Northwest 5-15 mph, gusts: 25-30 mph

    TONIGHT: Mostly clear. Lows between 5 and 15, with a wind chill in the single digits.
    Winds: Northwest 5-10 mph

    MONDAY: Partly cloudy. Highs between 29 and 33.
    Winds: West 5 mph

    TUESDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs between 40 and 45.
    Winds: South 5 mph

    WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy, evening showers. Highs between 45 and 50.
    Winds: Northwest 10 mph

    CURRENT CONDITIONS

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    Matt Small

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  • El Dorado Hills residents prepare for strong winds and possible power outages

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    Residents of El Dorado Hills are preparing for strong winds expected to last through Christmas Day, with concerns about potential power outages in the area. Josh McGee expressed confidence in his Christmas-themed skeleton decoration, saying, “I got faith in Skully. He’s made it through a couple of winters with us already, so I have faith in him. The hat might be gone, but we’ll get it back.”McGee’s giant skeleton sits in the front yard of his El Dorado Hills home wearing a Santa hat and scarf.His neighbor Tom Molyneux-Elliot said that he is reconsidering his decision to put out the trash early, saying, “I might be picking up garbage in the morning.”Despite the subtle jokes from these two, the anticipated strong gusts have put residents on high alert for possible power outages. “I have generators and everything, but, you know, PG&E is notoriously unreliable during this kind of situation,” McGee said. “They don’t have the best track record of keeping power on.”Molyneux-Elliot added, “We used to lose power a lot, but the last couple of years, it’s been better. Hopefully, that won’t happen again this year. But I know up the hill it definitely gets a little worse.”PG&E has assured residents that they are fully staffed and have crews ready to respond to any outages caused by the high winds. Jeff Weeks from Ace Hardware at Town Center reported a steady flow of customers preparing for the storm. “We didn’t anticipate quite the run on things we have here,” he said. The lighting section shelves were bare on Tuesday night, and Weeks mentioned that the store plans to stay open on Christmas Eve for those who might need supplies during the storm.”Come in early, get the things that you think you’re going to need,” he advised. He emphasized the importance of being prepared with “generators, candles, lights, flashlights, huge things, batteries, we have all those kinds of things.”See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. —

    Residents of El Dorado Hills are preparing for strong winds expected to last through Christmas Day, with concerns about potential power outages in the area.

    Josh McGee expressed confidence in his Christmas-themed skeleton decoration, saying, “I got faith in Skully. He’s made it through a couple of winters with us already, so I have faith in him. The hat might be gone, but we’ll get it back.”

    McGee’s giant skeleton sits in the front yard of his El Dorado Hills home wearing a Santa hat and scarf.

    His neighbor Tom Molyneux-Elliot said that he is reconsidering his decision to put out the trash early, saying, “I might be picking up garbage in the morning.”

    Despite the subtle jokes from these two, the anticipated strong gusts have put residents on high alert for possible power outages.

    “I have generators and everything, but, you know, PG&E is notoriously unreliable during this kind of situation,” McGee said. “They don’t have the best track record of keeping power on.”

    Molyneux-Elliot added, “We used to lose power a lot, but the last couple of years, it’s been better. Hopefully, that won’t happen again this year. But I know up the hill it definitely gets a little worse.”

    PG&E has assured residents that they are fully staffed and have crews ready to respond to any outages caused by the high winds.

    Jeff Weeks from Ace Hardware at Town Center reported a steady flow of customers preparing for the storm.

    “We didn’t anticipate quite the run on things we have here,” he said.

    The lighting section shelves were bare on Tuesday night, and Weeks mentioned that the store plans to stay open on Christmas Eve for those who might need supplies during the storm.

    “Come in early, get the things that you think you’re going to need,” he advised.

    He emphasized the importance of being prepared with “generators, candles, lights, flashlights, huge things, batteries, we have all those kinds of things.”

    See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

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  • Tropical Storm Melissa brings heavy rain and a flood risk to Haiti, Dominican Republic and Jamaica

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    Tropical Storm Melissa began dumping heavy rain on Hispaniola on Tuesday as forecasters warned of a significant flood risk in parts of the Caribbean region later this week.The rains snarled traffic in the Dominican Republic’s capital, Santo Domingo, and at least one traffic light was downed as winds whipped around the city. Games in the country’s professional baseball league were canceled.People in Haiti grew concerned over the possibility of heavy flooding, which has devastated the country during past storms, given widespread erosion.Melissa was about 325 miles south-southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph as of Tuesday night, the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said. It was moving west at 13 mph.A hurricane watch was issued for southern Haiti, while a tropical storm watch was in effect for Jamaica.Five to 10 inches (12-25 centimeters) of rain was possible in southern Haiti and the southern Dominican Republic through Friday, with several inches also expected in Jamaica. Heavy rain was also forecast for northern areas of Hispaniola, Aruba and Puerto Rico.More heavy rain was possible past Friday, and there was a significant risk of flash flooding and landslides. Melissa was forecast to gain strength gradually, but the U.S. forecasters warned that its track and forward movement were uncertain, and people in the region should remain alert.

    MIAMI —

    Tropical Storm Melissa began dumping heavy rain on Hispaniola on Tuesday as forecasters warned of a significant flood risk in parts of the Caribbean region later this week.

    The rains snarled traffic in the Dominican Republic’s capital, Santo Domingo, and at least one traffic light was downed as winds whipped around the city. Games in the country’s professional baseball league were canceled.

    People in Haiti grew concerned over the possibility of heavy flooding, which has devastated the country during past storms, given widespread erosion.

    Melissa was about 325 miles south-southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph as of Tuesday night, the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said. It was moving west at 13 mph.

    A hurricane watch was issued for southern Haiti, while a tropical storm watch was in effect for Jamaica.

    Five to 10 inches (12-25 centimeters) of rain was possible in southern Haiti and the southern Dominican Republic through Friday, with several inches also expected in Jamaica. Heavy rain was also forecast for northern areas of Hispaniola, Aruba and Puerto Rico.

    More heavy rain was possible past Friday, and there was a significant risk of flash flooding and landslides. Melissa was forecast to gain strength gradually, but the U.S. forecasters warned that its track and forward movement were uncertain, and people in the region should remain alert.

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  • Xcel warns of fire risk, possible power shutoffs as winds hit Colorado

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    DENVER — Xcel Energy is warning of critical fire weather and potential power outages on Monday as a cold front moves into Colorado’s Front Range, dropping temperatures to around 60 degrees.

    Xcel said it’s evaluating whether or not it will proactively turn off power for customers in Adams, Boulder, Jefferson and eastern Denver counties on Monday.

    The utility company said public safety power shutoff is not a step taken lightly and is only used when other methods are not enough to help prevent wildfires.

    It is urging customers who rely on medical equipment to prepare for possible extended outages.

    A Denver7 Weather Action Day is in effect Monday for high winds and high fire dangers for the whole Denver metro area.

    Very windy conditions are forecast to develop late Sunday night into Monday morning across Colorado’s higher terrain and plains. A fire weather watch will remain in effect.

    The foothills may see brief gusts up to 75 mph between 9 a.m. and noon, according to the National Weather Service.

    Mountain peaks above 10,500 ft could experience gusts up to 80 mph through midday.

    The Eastern Plains will see widespread gusts of 45–55 mph, with isolated gusts reaching 60 mph.

    Xcel Energy is encouraging customers to build a home emergency kit, which should include the following:

    • Battery-powered radio
    • Flashlights
    • Batteries
    • Backup phone chargers
    • A phone that does not require electricity
    • Non-electric alarm clock

    Additionally, light mountain snow is possible on Monday to the north of I-70, but the plains will stay mostly dry and cooler, with highs in the 60s.

    Tuesday and Wednesday look like pleasant fall weather days before another temperature drop, and a chance for rain arrives on Thursday.

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    Robert Garrison

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  • The states where Americans are trading city lights for homestead life

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    It’s not just preppers or back-to-the-land dreamers anymore. Across the U.S., families, digital nomads, and remote workers are trading city apartments for open skies and garden plots. According to Fannie Mae, mortgage applications in rural areas have surged 80% since the pandemic—and even as interest rates climbed, demand hasn’t slowed.

    Realtor.com data shows the same trend: between July 2019 and July 2025, rural home prices grew 64%, compared with 42% in metro areas. The so-called “rural discount” is shrinking (down to 14% from 25% just a few years ago), but affordability still plays a major role in why people are making the move.

    So where are the best places to start a homestead? We pulled together states that stand out for their soil, land prices, growing seasons, and strong homesteading communities.

    Georgia

    Georgia’s warm climate and fertile soil make it a gardener’s paradise. With extended seasons, you can grow just about anything here—from peaches to peanuts.

    Montana

    Montana offers affordable farmland and endless pastures, making it ideal for livestock. It’s the picture of rural self-sufficiency. The trade-off? Winters are harsh, rainfall is limited, and mountain growing seasons can be short. Still, for many families leaving crowded cities, that wide-open landscape is worth it.

    Idaho

    Idaho blends rich soil with a strong agricultural community that supports both newcomers and traditional farmers. It’s especially attractive for modern homesteaders who want both community ties and independence.

    Wyoming

    Vast, affordable land and strong wind power potential make Wyoming attractive for off-grid homesteaders. Ranching thrives here, but gardening is tougher—low rainfall and strong winds make cultivation a challenge.

    Missouri

    If your dream homestead is heavy on produce, Missouri delivers. The land is affordable, the soil is fertile, and the growing season is long. Humidity and summer pests can be frustrating, but for vegetable gardeners, it’s a rewarding state.

    Arkansas

    Arkansas offers mild winters, fertile land, and plenty of water, making it easy to raise both crops and livestock. Tornadoes and humidity pose challenges, but the balance of affordability and resources makes it popular with new homesteaders.

    Tennessee

    Tennessee has a long tradition of small-scale farming, affordable rural land, and abundant natural resources like water and timber. The climate is well-suited to gardening, though humidity and occasional severe weather are factors. Many families moving here say the strong sense of community is part of the appeal.

    Kentucky

    With its established farming culture, Kentucky offers fertile land for crops and livestock. For homesteaders seeking tradition and opportunity, it’s a welcoming state.

    Maine

    Homesteading is woven into Maine’s history. Summers are cooler and great for crops like berries and root vegetables, though the growing season is short. Winters are long, but many homesteaders here embrace the rhythm of the season. The cultural support for self-sufficiency makes up for the climate challenges.

    North Carolina

    North Carolina has it all—mountains, coastlines, fertile valleys, and affordable rural land. The long growing season is perfect for new gardeners.

    Texas

    Big land, big sky, and big potential—Texas is full of affordable rural acreage. It’s ideal for those who want to scale up, whether with crops or livestock. But heat, drought, and water access vary widely across the state, so choosing the right location is key.

    Oregon

    With rich soil and a culture of sustainability, Oregon has long been a hub for homesteading. Western Oregon’s rain can be overwhelming, and eastern Oregon is dry and less fertile, but with the right location, it’s one of the most rewarding states for modern homesteaders.

    Colorado

    Colorado shines for off-grid enthusiasts thanks to abundant sunshine for solar power. Rural land is relatively affordable, and the mountain climate suits livestock.

    Arizona

    Abundant sun makes Arizona perfect for solar energy and nearly year-round gardening. The catch? Extreme heat and limited water require careful planning and investment in irrigation. For those who want to grow food throughout the winter, it remains a top choice.

    South Dakota

    With low property taxes, affordable land, and a deep homesteading heritage, South Dakota appeals to those looking for a simple, grounded life. The growing season is short, but the land prices are hard to beat.

    Alaska

    Alaska is not for the faint of heart. Long summer days make for impressive growing potential, but the winters are punishing, and logistics can be tough. For those who crave independence and wild beauty, it’s the ultimate challenge.

    Florida

    If citrus, avocados, or tropical crops are your dream, Florida is the place. Warm weather and long seasons are ideal for growing, but pests, hurricanes, and humidity are constant battles.

    The bigger picture

    Each state has something unique to offer modern homesteaders. What unites them all is the growing appeal of self-sufficiency. Rising food costs, global supply chain worries, and the flexibility of remote work have made rural living more attractive than ever.

    Homesteading isn’t about one definition—it can be a remote cabin powered by solar panels or an acre with a garden and a few chickens. What matters is the balance: space, community, sustainability, and the chance to live closer to the land. And as the data shows, more Americans are taking the leap.

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  • This week’s chilly weather in Milwaukee includes windy start to weekend

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    Milwaukee is getting a windy start to the weekend.

    J.J. Wood, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan, said the strong winds come from a low pressure area that is moving toward the northeast throughout the day Friday, Sept. 5.

    In the Milwaukee area, gusts of wind from the southwest may reach up to 35 mph, Wood said. Those winds should gradually begin to lessen by afternoon and into the evening.

    “Secure loose objects, make sure if you’ve got any garbage cans or anything sitting outside, that they’re secured. Winds this high could certainly blow them around a little bit,” Wood said.

    For boaters, the National Weather Services issued a gale warning through 10 a.m. Sept. 5. Waves may reach 12 to 18 feet over open waters.

    Wood said the strong winds are a “continuation” of the unseasonably cool temperatures Wisconsin has been facing this week.

    Highs are in the lower 60s Sept. 5 and Sept. 6, and expected to raise to the mid-60s by Sunday. Lows throughout the weekend are in the low to mid-40s, Wood said.

    He said temperatures should return to mid-70s — much more typical for early September — by around Tuesday, Sept. 9.

    Contact Kelli Arseneau at (920) 213-3721 or karseneau@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @ArseneauKelli.

    This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: This week’s chilly weather in Milwaukee includes windy start to weekend

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  • Cows trapped as barn in Pennsylvania collapses

    Cows trapped as barn in Pennsylvania collapses

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    A barn collapsed and another was heavily damaged in Juniata County, Pennsylvania, as severe weather swept through the area Thursday night into Friday morning. The collapse happened at Reinford-Frymoyer Farm in Walker Township, which is near Tuscarora Village.”We had quite a devastating scene that we had to face,” owner Dara Reinford-Frymoyer said.Strong winds took down the barn that housed 150 dairy cows.”About 100 of the cows were out running around all over, on the road, everywhere, in the cornfield. There was another 50 that was still trapped inside the rubble, so we worked as fast as we could to get them out of there,” Brett Reinford said.More cows called the barn on the hill their home. That structure was also damaged.”The barn was just kind of lifted up and tossed into the pasture, so they (the cows) were just kind of wandering around,” Reinford-Frymoyer said.A neighbor has taken in many of the animals for now.The family is grateful for the outpouring of community support. Volunteers quickly started clearing debris.”I had tears in my eyes today thinking about all of the people that have offered to help,” Reinford said. The Reinfords are relieved that the animals are safe and no one was hurt, even after some very scary moments.”It sounded like a train outside. And then we moved to a closet inside the laundry room under a stairway until it all passed,” Reinford-Frymoyer said.The National Weather Service is expected to send a representative to assess the damage and determine a cause.

    JUNIATA COUNTY, Pa. —

    A barn collapsed and another was heavily damaged in Juniata County, Pennsylvania, as severe weather swept through the area Thursday night into Friday morning.

    The collapse happened at Reinford-Frymoyer Farm in Walker Township, which is near Tuscarora Village.

    “We had quite a devastating scene that we had to face,” owner Dara Reinford-Frymoyer said.

    Strong winds took down the barn that housed 150 dairy cows.

    “About 100 of the cows were out running around all over, on the road, everywhere, in the cornfield. There was another 50 that was still trapped inside the rubble, so we worked as fast as we could to get them out of there,” Brett Reinford said.

    More cows called the barn on the hill their home. That structure was also damaged.

    “The barn was just kind of lifted up and tossed into the pasture, so they (the cows) were just kind of wandering around,” Reinford-Frymoyer said.

    A neighbor has taken in many of the animals for now.

    The family is grateful for the outpouring of community support. Volunteers quickly started clearing debris.

    “I had tears in my eyes today thinking about all of the people that have offered to help,” Reinford said.

    A barn collapsed in Juniata County as severe weather swept through the area Thursday night into Friday morning.

    The Reinfords are relieved that the animals are safe and no one was hurt, even after some very scary moments.

    “It sounded like a train outside. And then we moved to a closet inside the laundry room under a stairway until it all passed,” Reinford-Frymoyer said.

    The National Weather Service is expected to send a representative to assess the damage and determine a cause.

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  • Xcel power outages could last beyond Monday for some customers

    Xcel power outages could last beyond Monday for some customers

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    ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Xcel Energy is now reporting power outages could last beyond Monday for some of its customers.

    “We could see an outage for the next couple of days,” Regional Vice President Hollie Velasquez Horvath said.

    450 Xcel crew members have been working to get the lights back on for 150,000 customers, 55,000 of which had their power preemptively shut off Saturday afternoon and 100,000 of those who were in the dark due to dangerously strong winds.

    The outage was more than just an inconvenience for Lakewood resident Arthur Sanchez Sunday.

    He had to charge his portable oxygen in his car while he waited for the power to come back on.

    With his batteries running low, Sanchez decided to head to a family member’s house in the meantime.

    “Aurora to my brothers, at least until I get word from the neighbor’s that the power is back up,” Sanchez said.

    Velasquez Horvath said linemen prioritize areas with the most customers out and work down to the individual customer.

    Crews first need to visually inspect more than 600 miles of power lines that were preemptively shut off before energy can be restored. And that is not a quick process.

    “I don’t think that we did a good enough job at making sure that our customers knew that it would take some time for the restoration,” Regional Vice President of Xcel Energy Hollie Velasquez Horvath admitted.

    Englewood resident Lisa Duvall confronted Velasquez Horvath in her neighborhood on Sunday.

    “That’s what the problem is. You don’t answer the phone calls,” Duvall said.

    Duvall and many others are frustrated Xcel didn’t provide a clear estimate for when power would be back.

    “At least give one of us some information about how long this would be… even if it is two or three more days,” Duvall said.

    Xcel said there is no plan to compensate its customers for anything they have lost due to the outages.

    Xcel said de-energizing lines will become the norm in extreme weather events, standing by its decision even though getting the lights back on is taking longer.

    “I believe we made absolutely the right decision. We have damage on our electric lines. That is due to wind…if those lines were energized, that was a risk of a wildfire,” Velasquez Horvath explained .

    If you did not receive a call about this outage, the company said it doesn’t have your updated contact information. You can make sure that’s up to date in the Xcel mobile app or on the company’s website.

    Xcel power outages could last beyond Monday for some customers

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