Winds whip throughout western New York

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Your yard may be a little messy when you head out the door Monday, because of high winds around the region. There is a Wind Advisory for Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Erie and Chautauqua Counties from 3 a.m. to noon Monday. There are winds of 25-35 mph expected, with 50 mph gusts.

It was lights out around midnight for residents at one apartment complex in Buffalo, but not by choice. High winds kept residents int he dark after a high gust of wind caused electrical problems. Residents at the NYE Park Hotel on Elmwood Avenue had to evacuate the building in the dark, as firefighters moved into the area.

The electrical connection was pulled away from the building by the wind. Resident Robert Reed said, “I was watching TV, next thing I know, I see my lights flickering in my bedroom. Next thing I know, I go outside my door and all of a sudden I see a whole bunch of sparks outside and everything else. So I kept telling everyone, call the fire department, call the fire department.”

The NYE Park Hotel consists of 21 apartments. There is no word if the power has been restored.