BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — 7 Eyewitness News First alert meteorologists are tracking a wind storm for Sundaywhere winds could reach 35-45 mph and wind gusts of up to 75 mph.
In preparation for the storm, Governor Andrew Cuomo said at a press conference today in Hamburg that the Skyway will be closed tomorrow starting at 12pm and will be closed to tractor tailor trucks starting at 10am.
Governor Cuomo also added that thousands of personnel and pieces of equipment have been brought in to help with the expected downed power lines, trees and limbs. Utility companies from surrounding states are on stand-by and Governor Cuomo says they will be called if needed.
Mayor Byron Brown says emergency shelters will be available for people that lost power in the city of Buffalo starting at 8am.
Jon Hitchcock of the National Weather Service says this is a "slam dunk" wind storm, meaning the models are showing some of the highest winds Hitchcock has seen in years.
The worst of the winds will hit in the early afternoon on Sunday and there is still time to prepare.
Is your home and yard ready for the wind?
Walk around your house to see if there are any loose limbs, roof shingles or other supplies. Move your car if it is parked under or near a tree. Erie County Comissioner of Public Works Michael Finn is asking people to keep trash and garbage totes inside until Monday.
Is your generator ready for a potential power outage?
The main concern for the storm is power outages. Make sure your generator is dusted off and gassed up, Nationa Grid says the number to call to report an outage is 1-800-867-5222.
Erie County officials are urging people to stay inside and to stay off the roads if you can. Governor Cuomo issued a ban on empty tractor tailors from highways across the state.
Download the 7 Eyewitness News app for all the latest updates.
City of Buffalo officials say to call 911 for all emergencies and call 311 for non-emergencies (fallen trees, debris, etc.)
Officials also announced Bird Island Pier, Erie Basin Marina and Lasalle Park will close at 10 a.m. Sunday due to high winds.
The following Erie County parks will be closed as well:
Due to the expected heavy winds, high waves and possibility for a seiche the following waterfront @ErieCountyParks will be closed as of noon: Bennett, Wendt, Black Rock, Times Beach, Red Jacket, Sheriff Thomas Higgins and Isle View Parks. pic.twitter.com/eU9aeNaUO5
— Mark Poloncarz (@markpoloncarz) February 24, 2019
