High Wind Warning, Wind Advisory, and High Wind Watch: National Alert Summary — Friday, March 13, 2026
A massive, fast-moving wind event is sweeping coast to coast this Friday, with high wind warnings, wind advisories, and high wind watches stretching from the Pacific Northwest through the Rockies, across the Great Plains, into the Midwest and Great Lakes, and pushing hard toward the Northeast. The National Weather Service says widespread power outages and dangerous travel conditions are expected from now through Friday night.
High Wind Warning: Northeast Ohio — Up to 60 MPH Gusts Today
The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a high wind warning for the entire Northeast Ohio region for Friday, March 13. Wind gusts could exceed 50 mph for most of the region and top 60 mph in spots. Forecasters say morning commutes will be breezy but manageable, winds will crank to 40 to 50 mph gusts by midday, and the worst will hit in the afternoon — 50 to 60 mph gusts capable of causing widespread power outages and wind damage.
The National Weather Service says these winds will blow down trees and power lines, and that widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be especially difficult for high-profile vehicles throughout the warning period.
High Wind Warning and Wind Advisory: Indiana — Half the State Under Warning
Indiana is heading into a stretch of active and impactful weather beginning Friday and continuing through the weekend and into early next week. A Weather Impact Alert is in effect Friday as powerful winds sweep the state from sunrise through sunset. Peak wind gusts of 45 to 60 or more mph are possible. Roughly half of Indiana is under a high wind warning, with much of the remaining area under a wind advisory.
These winds will be strong enough to cause sporadic power outages and pockets of wind damage, especially where gusts exceed 60 mph. High-profile vehicles such as semi-trailers, vans, and box trucks are especially vulnerable to strong crosswinds, and semi-trailers can be blown over depending on the wind direction relative to the roadway.
High Wind Warning: Illinois and Iowa — 60 MPH Gusts Through Friday Afternoon
The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for portions of north central and northwest Illinois and east central Iowa, with west winds of 25 to 30 mph and gusts up to 60 mph expected from 4:00 AM ET to 3:00 PM ET Friday. A wind advisory for the same area runs from 10:00 PM ET Thursday through 4:00 AM ET Friday, with southwest winds of 25 to 30 mph and gusts up to 45 mph ahead of the main event.
Central and northern Iowa are under a separate high wind warning with west to northwest winds of 30 to 40 mph and gusts up to 60 mph from midnight through 10:00 AM ET Friday. Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines with widespread power outages expected across all warned Iowa counties.
High Wind Warning: Montana, Idaho, and the Northern Rockies
High wind warnings remain active across Western and Eastern Lemhi County in Idaho, with damaging gusts capable of blowing down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected, and travel is especially difficult for high-profile vehicles. Residents are urged to remain in the lower levels of their home during the windstorm and to avoid windows, watching for falling debris and tree limbs.
High Winds to Roar Into the Northeast Through Friday Night
High winds are set to roar from the Rockies all the way to the Northeast, with the wind threat expanding eastward through Friday and Friday night. The corridor of strongest gusts will track from the Ohio Valley toward Pennsylvania, New York, and New England by Friday evening, where wind advisories and high wind warnings are expected to be issued as the system arrives.
High Wind Warning vs Wind Advisory vs High Wind Watch: What Each Means
| Alert | Meaning | Wind Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Wind Advisory | Strong winds causing minor hazards | Gusts 40–57 mph |
| High Wind Watch | Dangerous winds possible soon | Gusts 58+ mph possible |
| High Wind Warning | Dangerous winds occurring or imminent | Gusts 58+ mph confirmed |
What to Do During a High Wind Warning Today
During a wind advisory, secure all outdoor objects and use caution while driving. During a high wind warning, stay indoors in the lower level of your home away from windows, watch for falling debris and tree limbs, avoid unnecessary travel, and be especially cautious if operating high-profile vehicles.
Residents in all warned areas are urged to charge devices now, have flashlights and backup power ready, and monitor the National Weather Service and local broadcast alerts throughout Friday for real-time gust reports and updated power restoration timelines.
