(ANGOLA) - Strong winds are sweeping across northeast Indiana, northwest Ohio, and southeast Michigan today, with gusts expected to reach as high as 60 miles per hour.
Meteorologists say westerly winds will increase through the day Friday, with sustained winds and gusts between 45 and 60 miles per hour possible across the region.
While widespread damage is not expected, isolated tree limbs could come down and scattered power outages are possible if branches fall onto power lines.
Drivers are being urged to use caution, especially those operating larger vehicles on north-south routes such as Interstate 69, where strong crosswinds could push vehicles.
Winds are expected to gradually ease overnight into Saturday.
Saturday should bring calmer conditions with lighter winds and highs near 42 degrees. A significant warm-up is expected Sunday, with temperatures climbing into the mid-60s before rain and possible storms arrive late Sunday night.
Rain could change to snow early Monday as colder air moves into the region and temperatures fall throughout the day.
The cold air will continue into Tuesday, with St. Patrick's Day expected to be unusually cold. Highs may only reach the mid-20s, with wind chills in the single digits and teens.