Strong winds can make driving hazardous

A High Wind Watch issued for the Miami Valley for Thursday will bring dangerous driving conditions. Wind gusts Thursday out of the southwest could reach 50-60mph. This is as strong as a severe thunderstorm!

Keep in mind the wind direction and your driving direction can make things even more challenging. Thursday winds out of the southwest mean that drivers traveling east and west will hit the crosswind. Driving in either direction on I-70 Thursday afternoon will be difficult.

>> Strong winds late tonight going into Thursday

Drivers should use caution on the roads and remember to slow down. Here are a few things to keep in mind on a windy day:

All vehicles should be prepared for the wind gusts to cause sudden movements of your car, but high-profile vehicles like trucks, semi-trucks, and SUVs are more likely to feel the impact of the wind.

>> Live Doppler 7 Radar

Remember to always leave plenty of space between you and semi-trucks or SUVs.

In addition, if it is raining or snowing, that will add another layer of difficulty on the roads. Wind may blow snow around even more, either helping to produce whiteout conditions or keeping the roads coated because of blowing a drifting.

When it is raining and very windy, the wind could help produce reduced visibility on the roads. Heavy rain will also open the possibility of hydroplaning. When it is windy, and your car is already losing traction because of the rain, it can also cause you to swerve.