Holy smokes, how about that wind? According to the National Weather Service, 43 mph wind gusts were measured in Central Park this morning, with gusts over 60 mph at LaGuardia airport, contributing to flight delays. A wind advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. today, with gusts up to 57 mph expected. It's so freaking windy that officials had to windproof their warning with all-caps: "STRONG WINDS COULD BRING DOWN SOME TREE LIMBS AND CAUSE ISOLATED POWER OUTAGES. DRIVING WILL ALSO BE DIFFICULT... ESPECIALLY IN HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES AND ON ELEVATED ROADWAYS AND BRIDGES."
The wind has impacted Gothamist operations in a variety of ways. One intern reportedly lost precious minutes of sleep after the wind woke her up, and an editor was unable to put her rent check in the mail box because the wind gusts at the Brooklyn Promenade were so intense. Foolhardy staffer Chris Robbins tempted death by riding his bike over the Manhattan Bridge, and files this harrowing account:
It felt like Zephyrus himself, or the Daily News' editorial board, was trying to keep me from pedaling across that noble bridge. I saw an old man with two huge flags sticking out of his basket. As I was passing him we met eyes and I kissed my rosary. I think I saw him fly on top of the Watchtower building after that.
And we can't even bear to think about the disastrous effect this will have on wind's #1 victim: the garbage cans.
Seriously though, watch out for trees and other falling debris. And if you can't make rent this month, just print this story out and mail it to your landlord as proof that this Act of God made timely payment impossible. We'll leave you with this vital wind vine.
