Wednesday's record-breaking high temperatures will come at a price...in the form of extremely gusty winds.

The incoming winds have prompted a HIGH WIND WATCH and HIGH WIND WARNING across the state on Wednesday, December 15th.

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weather.gov
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From the National Weather Service in Des Moines:

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM WEDNESDAY TO 3 AM CST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 40 mph with gusts over 60 mph expected.

* WHERE...Much of Iowa.

* WHEN...From 3 PM Wednesday to 3 AM CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.

 

A High Wind Watch is rather rare in Iowa. Before 12/13, the last time Central Iowa was involved in this type of Watch was March 18, 2016.

Iowa Environmental Mesonet
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Iowa Environmental Mesonet

What are the criteria for a High Wind Watch or Warning and what is the difference? According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines:

Wind Advisory means that sustained winds of 30 mph for one hour and/or frequent gusts of at least 45 mph are occurring or expected within the next 36 hours. These winds will make it difficult to drive high-profile vehicles. Small, unsecured objects may be blown around by these winds.

High Wind Watch means that sustained winds of 40 mph for one hour and/or frequent gusts of at least 58 mph are expected within the next 12 to 48 hours. Check to make sure all loose objects outside are secured. Plan to postpone any unnecessary driving during this time since these winds will make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. These winds may damage trees, power lines, and small structures.

High Wind Warning means that sustained winds of 40 mph for one hour and/or frequent gusts of at least 58 mph are occurring or expected within the next 36 hours. Ensure that all objects outside are secured. Refrain from any unnecessary driving during this time since these winds will make driving very difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Winds this strong may damage trees, power lines, and small structures.

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