Wheeling, W VA. (WTRF) – Another round of showers and strong winds is expected to return to as we finish up the final week of March. This is a very similar-looking setup to what we dealt with last weekend and is expected to return for Saturday.

Power outages are likely for Saturday due to high wind.

The Setup:

Quiet and pleasant has been the story weather-wise so far this week. Our next weather system will move into the Ohio Valley Friday and will last through Saturday.

Regional radar showcasing rain activity across the Midwest.

As we head into Early Saturday Morning, multiple rounds of showers and breezy conditions will be present as a cold front advances through. A pocket or two of heavy showers will be possible but less than an inch of rain is expected. A few rumbles of thunder could be embedded in these showers.

Predictor showing showers and increasing wind Friday evening and Saturday morning.

As conditions stand, we are seeing a very similar setup to what we dealt with last weekend with the only exception being an increasing wind gust potential. As the showers move through, the winds will also start to increase. The National Weather Service office out of Pittsburgh has portions of The Northern Panhandle, Southeastern Ohio, and Western Pennsylvania at a 4/4 for strong to damaging winds. Because of this, our region has been upgraded to a High Wind Warning.

Portions of the Ohio Valley are also outlined in a Marginal Risk for severe weather or a one out of five on the severe weather scale. The Slight Risk outlines Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Marginal Risk for Severe Weather from the Storm Prediction Center

After the morning showers move on through, we will begin to see some light clearing. These pockets of sunshine will mix with leftover moisture from the early morning showers. This will likely lead to spotty to scattered thunderstorms across the region into Saturday afternoon. A few of these storms could bring heavy downpours and strong wind gusts on top of the already windy conditions.

Predictor showcasing showers and potential storms into the afternoon hours of Saturday.

Like with any wind event or storm, small or dead branches have the chance to come down and cause localized power outages.

Power Outage Risk and What to Expect

Wind gusts of 60+mph are likely for the late morning/early afternoon hours.

The uptick in winds is expected late morning and through the afternoon/evening timeframe. Sustained winds will blow around 20-30 mph with gusts of 60+mph expected across the valley.

Power outages are expected on Saturday, due to the windy conditions, especially if any small or dead branches come down. Lower rain totals are expected (compared to last week’s system), so large trees are not likely to get uprooted this time around.

How To Prepare:

With strong winds ahead and since we are only a few days away from the start of severe weather season, now is your chance to go through your severe weather checklist.

Checklist for windy conditions,

Make sure you have flashlights with spare batteries, jugs or pitchers of water, rain jackets, and a blanket in case power outages occur. If you have the time, pick up any sticks or branches that have fallen and trim any branches that could possibly come down or are too close to your house ahead of the event.

With this event still multiple days out, the StormTracker7 Weather Team with continue to monitor the changing pattern and will provide updates online, on air, and on social media.