Sandy to Bring Rochester High Winds, Lakeshore Flooding

By Alex Sosnowski, Expert Senior Meteorologist

October 29,2012; 10:00AM,EDT

Even though Sandy will remain a distant storm, its unusually large circulation will bring damaging wind gusts and lakeshore flooding to the southern lakeshore area of Ontario in New York.
Northerly wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph will be common over the region. However, higher gusts to 60 mph are possible over the open water, along the immediate lakeshore and between buildings.
Lakeshore flooding of 2 to 3 feet is forecast with higher wave action on top of the surge. Wave action and strong winds can cause structural damage along the lakeshore.
Wave heights will average 8 to 14 feet but can peak near 16 feet offshore. Conditions will be very dangerous for craft.
Even miles inland, wind gusts will be strong enough to down tree limbs, power lines and entire trees. Be alert for flying debris, as loose items will become airborne.
Avoid walking or parking under trees as limbs can come down with no notice.

The worst wind and wave conditions will span Monday night. As winds become more northeast and easterly Tuesday, the strong gusts and wave action directed toward the south shore will decrease. Wave action may then cause problems on the west end of the lake toward Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario.
Sandy is forecast to weaken slowly after moving inland from New Jersey over Pennsylvania and New York state, but it will take time for the large storm to unwind.