A strong storm that created blizzard conditions in parts of the Midwest this week will make a run at the Northeast today. Its track into western Quebec is expected to spare the Berkshires from snow -- but not from high winds and an inch or two of heavy rain.
The National Weather Service in Albany, N.Y., posted a high-wind warning for the northern half of Berkshire County, from Pittsfield to the Vermont border, and into the southern Green Mountains, said meteorologist Joe Villani.
The strongest southeasterly winds will have the greatest impact on North County, especially over North Adams, he added, because of the wind-tunnel effect created by the area’s valley. The warning calls for "strong and damaging winds" at 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 60, which could bring down some trees and tree limbs, resulting in potential scattered to widespread power blackouts.
Conditions will not be as severe in South County, where an advisory has been issued for the area calling for 20 to 30 mph winds and gusts up to 50.
The strongest winds are expected from the pre-dawn hours until noon today, Villani said.
Although the storm could start as a rain-snow mix, by daylight Friday, rising temperatures will turn anything frozen into all rain, with highs into the low- to mid-40s by afternoon.
Then, the coldest outbreak of the season will kick in, and Villani did not rule out some snow showers and possible light accumulations
The next major storm is due Wednesday and Thursday but, as the forecaster put it, the track is so uncertain that "everything’s on the table at this point" -- rain, snow or an icy mix.
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