With whipping winds, power outages are possible Saturday night into Sunday

     The NAM forecast model for Sunday morning, showing sustained winds between 35 and 45 miles per hour along the coast. Gusts will be higher.

    The NAM forecast model for Sunday morning, showing sustained winds between 35 and 45 miles per hour along the coast. Gusts will be higher.

    While the Jersey Shore will experience some snow from a rapidly strengthening storm system Saturday night into Sunday, the big story will be the wind and dangerous cold. 

    According to the National Weather Service, a “potentially damaging” high wind event could occur during that period, when northwest winds at 20 to 30 miles per hour (gusts up to 60 miles per hour) are likely.

    The forecast calls for the highest winds late Saturday night into Sunday morning.

    The National Weather Service advises: 

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    Be prepared for power outages possibly lasting for more than 24 hours. Trees and tree limbs will be knocked down. Minor structural damage to homes is possible. Do not park vehicles where trees can fall on them. Make sure all cell phone and electronic devices are fully charges. If you have generators, please make sure they are working properly and properly ventilated. Expect bridge restrictions. 

    The wind will also cause some blowing and drifting of snow.

    Between Saturday afternoon and evening, the National Weather Service forecasts three to four inches in northern Monmouth County, two to three inches in southern Monmouth and Ocean counties, and one to two inches in Atlantic and Cape May counties. A burst of snow is possible around dinnertime Saturday.

    Adding in the wind, wind chill values will be sub-zero during that period, dipping to near 10 below zero on Sunday, according to NOAA. 

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