NWS: Wind and Wind Chill Advisories for Oneida County as Christmas weekend approaches

ONEIDA COUNTY: WIND ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 5 PM EST FRIDAY.

* WHAT...Southeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected. Winds shift southwest on Friday with continued gusts up to 55 mph.

* WHERE...Oneida, Seneca, Southern Cayuga, Onondaga, Tompkins, Madison, and Cortland counties.

* WHEN...From 7 PM this evening to 5 PM EST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A strong cold front will cross the region on Friday. A lull in the winds may occur Friday morning, but winds will pick up again after frontal passage and shift to the southwest.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

ONEIDA COUNTY: WIND CHILL ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM FRIDAY TO NOON EST SATURDAY.

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills expected. Wind chills as low as 20 below zero. Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 40 to 50 mph.

* WHERE...In New York, Northern Oneida, Yates, Seneca, Southern Cayuga, Onondaga, Schuyler, Chemung, Tompkins, Madison, Southern Oneida, Cortland, Chenango, Otsego, Tioga, Broome, Delaware and Sullivan counties.

* WHEN...From 5 PM Friday to noon EST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...The cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...In addition to cold wind chills, temperatures will quickly drop below freezing late Friday morning and through the afternoon. This will likely result in a flash freeze and icy road conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.

NWS image.