Wind Feared More Than Rain In Upstate NY

The National Weather Service says high winds pose a greater threat than rain in upstate New York when Hurricane Sandy converges with other storm systems in the Northeast.

The agency has posted high wind warnings and flood watches across the state, effective Monday morning through Tuesday. Forecasters said widespread power outages are likely when wind gusts topple trees and power lines.

Forecasters predict one to two inches of rain in the Mohawk and Hudson valleys, one to three inches in the Southern Tier, and two to three inches in western New York. They expect two to four inches in the Adirondacks and as much as six inches in parts of the Catskills.

Sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph and gusts of 60 mph are expected starting Monday