High winds are hitting the NYC area currently, with one death being blamed on the weather. YWN reported earlier (HERE) that a construction tragically lost his life when the scaffolding he was on collapsed due to high winds.

Additionally, LaGuardia and Newark airports have both been reporting major delays on arrivals. (LaGuardia three hours, and Newark, two hours.) JFK Airport is not reporting any major problems currently.

There are reports of trees & wires down in the Staten Island area as well.

WCBSTV meteorologists report that the temperatures are expected to drop as the cold front moved in, “with overnight lows tumbling into the lower 20s.”

The NYC Building Department issued the following warning: 

The National Weather Service forecasts high wind between 20 to 30 mph and wind gusts up to 50 mph for the New York City area from 9am this morning through 5pm this afternoon. In preparation for the windy weather, the Buildings Department is reminding all builders, contractors, developers and property owners to secure their construction sites and buildings.

Property owners must consider the safety of their buildings and construction sites, cranes, suspended and supported scaffolding, and any other building appurtenances that may come loose from exposure to high winds. Structures that have been subject to deferred maintenance or in delicate condition could be at greater risk.

To secure construction sites, builders, contractors and developers should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:

Tie down and secure material and loose debris at construction sites.
Cover electrical equipment from exposure to the weather.
Store loose tools, oil cans and extra fuses in a tool box.
Secure netting and scaffolding.
Suspend crane operations and secure crane equipment.
Secure exterior construction elevators.
Brace and secure construction fences.
Call 911 if there is an emergency on a construction site.
To secure a building, property owners should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:

Bring inside loose, lightweight objects such as lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, garden tools and toys.
Anchor objects that would be unsafe inside, such as gas grills or propane tanks.
Close up and secure patio umbrellas.
Secure retractable awnings.
Remove aerial antennas and satellite television dishes.
New Yorkers are encouraged to call 3-1-1 to report non-compliant conditions or 9-1-1 to report emergencies at construction sites or buildings. New Yorkers who suspect a building or property has been structurally compromised should call 9-1-1.