Powerful Winds Roar over the Northeast

The blizzard slamming the Northeast through tonight will kick up vigorous windsacross the region. The most powerful winds with gusts roaring as high as 50 mphwill lash eastern Maryland northward into the coastal areas of southern NewEngland.The wind will lead to blowing and drifting snow. Visibilities could drop tonear zero in spots as the tempests whip up the snow. Meanwhile, drifts couldpile as deep as 4 feet in some locations, which will greatly hinder clean-upefforts. Power outages could also ensue from the blustery conditions.

Strong winds will also blast places down to the Carolinas. Wind gusts willreach 50 mph in Raleigh, N.C., and Roanoke, Va. Locally higher wind gusts willoccur, especially in the Appalachian Mountains. Residents should prepare forpossible power outages and tree damage.