OSWEGO COUNTY - Damaging high winds are expected in the region this Sunday, Feb. 24, accompanied by ice buildup and flooding along Lake Ontario, heavy Lake Effect snow, and dangerous white-out conditions, Oswego County Director of Emergency Management Dale A. Currier, CEM, said Saturday morning.

"People should pay very close attention to local weather reports and prepare for potential power outages," Currier said. "People should have enough emergency supplies on hand to last at least three to five days."

The National Weather Service - Buffalo Forecast Office has issued a high wind warning for Oswego County from 10 a.m. Sunday to 10 a.m. Monday; a lakeshore flood warning from 4 p.m. Sunday to 1 p.m. Monday; and a blizzard warning from 6 p.m. Sunday through 4 p.m. Monday.

"This storm has the potential to create dangerous conditions for Oswego County," Currier said.

After a warm Sunday morning, a cold front will be followed by high winds of 30 to 40 miles per hour with gusts from 60 to 65 miles per hour. In addition to damage caused by high winds and potential flooding, officials are concerned that ice fishing could become extremely dangerous at Sandy Pond and nearby areas on Sunday.

"These winds will cause structural damage, could bring down power lines, and make driving difficult," Currier said. "The winds could also cause ice on Lake Ontario to break up and crash on shore, causing significant flooding. People should stay off the ice near the lake and other bodies of water, be aware of the potential for flooding, and pay close attention to rapidly changing weather conditions."

Also, Currier stressed, "This storm is likely to cause power lines to fall. People should consider all downed wires to be live. Never drive over a downed power line."

Five- to 9 inches of lake effect snow are possible with this storm. "The high winds will cause blowing snow, resulting in slippery conditions and near-zero visibility," Currier said. "People should stay off the roads as much as possible."

Currier reminds people to keep the following items in an emergency supplies kit to last at least 3 to 5 days:

• Non-perishable food
• Water - one gallon per person per day
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Charged cell phone and extra battery or power source

"By taking these precautions, people can make this storm easier to manage," Currier said. "People should be aware of their surroundings at all times and make safety their first priority."

People should report power outages to National Grid online at 1-800-867-5222 or online at https://www1.nationalgridus.com/ReportOrCheckOutage.

People should call 911 in life-threatening emergencies.

More information on family disaster planning is available at https://www.ready.gov/.