From:   Emergency Management Partners:

We participated in a conference call earlier today with the National Weather Service regarding a major storm system that is forecast to impact Lake County tomorrow and Wednesday. Expected threats include a line of strong storms crossing the county on Tuesday morning and very strong winds through Tuesday and most of Wednesday.

The NWS has issued a High Wind Warning for Lake County from Tuesday morning through Wednesday evening, for sustained winds of 35 to 40 mph and gusts over 55 mph. The low pressure system is expected to move closer and intensify through the overnight hours, bringing increasing southwest winds. A cold front will cross our area sometime early Tuesday morning, likely with a line of thunderstorms that include damaging winds. Once the cold front passes, winds will remain strong throughout the day Tuesday, before possibly tapering off a bit overnight into Wednesday. Winds are likely to pick back up on Wednesday, perhaps swinging to come more from the west, before tapering off Wednesday night.

Temperatures are not expected to fall dramatically, though will decrease Tuesday night to lows in the low 40s, with highs Wednesday only expected to climb into the mid 50s and perhaps only the upper 40s on Thursday.

Intense rain is probable with the cold front on Tuesday morning, but flood problems are not anticipated because the line of storms will move through very quickly.

The greatest threat from this weather event will be from strong winds. Wind gusts of more than 50 mph are capable of damaging trees and dislodging limbs, leading to the likelihood of scattered utility outages. Winds will create challenges for drivers of high-profile vehicles, and storm warnings are in place for all of Lake Michigan. Gusty winds will also be capable of moving outdoor furniture, waste receptacles, and other items, possibly leading to damage or injury to people outside. Prepare now by making sure that all of your property is secure against extreme winds, and allow extra time for travel on Tuesday morning.

Traffic information for Lake County roads is always available from the Lake County Passage system, at http://www.lakecountypassage.com or via the highway advisory radio system on 1620 am.

A detailed weather briefing is available in adobe flash format from the National Weather Service website at http://www.crh.noaa.gov/lot/?n=webbriefing.

Please stay alert to changing conditions and future forecasts, and make sure that you and your family are prepared at home with a weather radio is set to receive warning messages for Lake County, in case any are necessary with the storms Tuesday morning.