Wind Advisory issued for Naperville area through Friday

Wind Advisory Issued for Naperville Area Through Friday Morning

The City of Naperville reminds residents to take precautions in advance of high winds expected to arrive in the area this afternoon and remain through Friday morning.

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for northern Illinois through 5 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 30. Sustained winds are expected to increase to 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts to 50 miles per hour possible.

The National Weather Service warns that strong winds can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles such as trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles. Unsecured items left outside may be blown around, and some light damage to small trees and limbs may occur.

“The safety of our residents is the City's top priority,” Community Relations Manager Nadja Lalvani said. “I encourage everyone to use extra caution during their commutes to and from work. In addition, please check around your homes for any objects that could blow away and potentially cause a hazard on sidewalks or streets.”

Residents should note the following tips to keep themselves and their families safe:

• The safest place during high winds is indoors.

• Use handrails where available on outdoor walkways and avoid other elevated areas such as roofs without adequate railings.

• If winds are extremely high, take shelter next to a building. Stand clear of roadways or train tracks, as a gust may blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

• Ensure windows are secure and brace outside doors.

• Bring in unsecured objects from patios and balconies and secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture and garbage cans that could blow away and cause damage or injury.

• If you are driving, keep both hands on the wheel and slow down. Watch for objects blowing across the roadway and into your path.

• Keep a safe distance from cars in adjacent lanes as strong gusts could push a car outside of its lane of travel.

• Take extra care in a high-profile vehicle such as a truck, van, sport utility vehicle or when towing a trailer, as these are more prone to be pushed or even flipped by high wind gusts.

• Avoid anything that may be touching downed power lines, including vehicles or tree branches. Warn others to stay away.

For the latest weather forecasts, tune in to your preferred local news station or NOAA Weather Radio. Updated weather forecasts are also available online at www.weather.gov.

For more information on the City of Naperville, visit www.naperville.il.us. Sign up to receive the latest news on the City of Naperville's projects and initiatives via e-mail at www.naperville.il.us/enews.aspx.