Wind Advisory in Effect Today: Dangerous Gusts Sweep Across Central US, Mid-Atlantic and Texas

A sprawling wind advisory is in effect across a wide swath of the United States today, Monday, March 16, as a powerful cold front drives destructive gusts from the Midwest through Texas, the Mid-Atlantic, and into the Northeast. Millions of residents are under some form of wind-related alert as forecasters warn of downed trees, power outages, and dangerous driving conditions through this afternoon and evening.

Wind Advisory Alerts Across the Midwest — Missouri, Illinois and Kansas

The National Weather Service has blanketed large portions of the central United States with wind advisory warnings as the cold front continues its eastward push this morning.

Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph are expected across portions of east central and northeast Kansas and central, north central, and west central Missouri through noon ET today, with impacts including unsecured objects being blown around, tree limbs coming down, and difficult driving conditions especially for high-profile vehicles.

Across central, east central, southeast, and west central Illinois, south winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 to 55 mph are expected, then shifting to west-northwest tonight. The wind advisory in that region is in effect until 11 a.m. ET Monday, with gusty winds capable of blowing around unsecured objects and snapping tree limbs.

High Wind Warning Missouri — 60 MPH Gusts and Power Outages

Parts of Missouri faced the most severe wind conditions in the nation overnight and into this morning, triggering a High Wind Warning rather than a standard wind advisory.

For portions of north central, northeast, and northwest Missouri, the High Wind Warning called for northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph, with impacts including trees and power lines blown down and widespread power outages expected. Residents were told to remain in the lower levels of their homes during the windstorm and avoid windows, watching for falling debris and tree limbs.

In addition to the strong winds, falling and blowing snow created periods of significantly reduced visibility in some Missouri locations overnight, compounding the hazards for travelers on area roadways.

Wind Advisory Ohio, Kentucky and Pennsylvania — Morning Through Monday

The wind advisory extends well into the eastern half of the country, with alerts still active across multiple states this morning.

A wind advisory covering Hamilton, Clermont, Clinton, Franklin, and numerous other counties across southern Ohio and northern Kentucky was issued Sunday and remains in effect until 8 a.m. ET Monday, covering a broad corridor across the Cincinnati region and surrounding communities.

In Pennsylvania and southern New York, a wind advisory remains in effect until 8 a.m. ET Monday, with southeast winds of 15 to 25 mph and gusts up to 50 mph expected across Cameron, Elk, McKean, Potter, Sullivan, Tioga, Warren, and other counties. Chemung and Tioga counties in New York are also included in the alert zone.

Wind Advisory Texas — Cold Front Sends Temperatures Plummeting

Texas is not immune to this wind event, with a separate wind advisory now in effect across North and Central Texas following the passage of the cold front.

A wind advisory is in effect for all of North and Central Texas this evening following the passage of a strong cold front, with unsecured outdoor items at risk of being blown around and driving on area roadways potentially becoming difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.

Temperatures are expected to tumble to the upper 20s to 30s by Monday morning across the region, with wind chills potentially dropping to the upper teens and 20s. Residents are urged to bring pets indoors and dress warmly for the Monday morning commute.

Wind Advisory Safety Tips — What to Do Now

The National Weather Service urges residents under any wind advisory to secure loose outdoor furniture, decorations, and debris before gusts peak. Motorists should reduce speed and maintain firm control of their vehicles, particularly on open highways, bridges, and overpasses where crosswinds are strongest. Monitor local alerts throughout the day as conditions continue to evolve across the affected regions.