High Winds To Accompany Strong Storm System

UNDATED (AP) -- Parts of Oklahoma are getting some much-needed rain, but it's the strong winds that are the big weather story with the latest storm system to move through.<br/><br/>The National Weather

Wednesday, November 15th 2006, 6:11 am

By: News On 6

UNDATED (AP) -- Parts of Oklahoma are getting some much-needed rain, but it's the strong winds that are the big weather story with the latest storm system to move through.

The National Weather Service has issued high wind warnings for 36 counties in western and central Oklahoma and high wind advisories for 40 counties in eastern sections of the state. Forecasters also issued a tornado watch for McCurtain County in southeastern Oklahoma, which is seeing strong to severe thunderstorms ahead of a fast-moving cold front.

The weather service says the winds may gust between 50 and 60 miles per hour today, making for difficult driving conditions and the possibility of isolated structural damage and downed trees and power lines.

The good news is that the system is fast-moving and the winds should subside beginning this evening.

The front also will knock temperatures back down into the 40s and 50s for highs, a departure from the 60s and 70s that were reached yesterday.

Highs should rebound back into the 50s and 60s tomorrow.