Forecast wind speeds Friday (in knots). (Credit: NWS)
Ocean County is under a high wind warning from 8 a.m. Friday until 7 p.m., with sustained winds nearing tropical storm force and gusts reaching beyond 60 m.p.h.
“Strong winds will damage trees and power lines,” a statement from the National Weather Service in Mount Holly said. “Some trees may be uprooted. Scattered to widespread power outages are expected. Unsecured loose objects will be blown around. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”
Rain is likely Friday, especially in the morning, with clouds remaining the rest of the day. The high will be 54. But it is the wind that will be center stage, whipping up waves and potentially causing damage to homes and power lines. The day will begin with a southeast wind, 16 to 26 m.p.h. turning west at 27 to 37 m.p.h. later in the morning, the NWS said. During the day, gusts could exceed 60 m.p.h.
“This will be a significant wind event,” the statement went on to say. “Be prepared for an abrupt increase in winds on Friday morning. Tree, power line, and property damage is expected.”
The winds are forecast to subside by evening, however it will remain quite windy overnight into Saturday. The sun will return, but winds will remain 13 to 16 m.p.h. with gusts of about 30 m.p.h.
Wave heights are expected to be 8-10 feet.
