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High Winds Could Cause Flooding Near Lake Erie

It’s expected to be a rough night tonight with the weather.

The National Weather Service’s Buffalo bureau has issued a high wind warning and a lakeshore flood warning for all of Chautauqua County.

South winds from 25 to 35 mph today are expected to switch to coming from the southwest around 8 p.m. evening. Gusts of up to 60 mph are possible.

“Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines,” according to the weather service. “Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”

The high wind from the southwest could set up a “seiche” — a pileup of water from the western parts of Lake Erie into the eastern portions.

That’s why the weather service put up the lakeshore flood warning, which specifically mentions Dunkirk Harbor.

“Flooding is likely along Route 5 in Hamburg, Buffalo Harbor and Canalside, Dunkirk Harbor, and other flood prone locations,” the weather service stated. “Very high wave action will also result in significant shoreline erosion.”

The high wind warning is through 5 a.m. Sunday. The lakeshore flood warning goes from 8 p.m. tonight until 8 a.m. Sunday.

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