Winds wallop Modesto during weekend storm. How fast did gusts blow — and what’s next?

Gusty winds blew through Modesto on Sunday, resulting in downed communication poles, fallen tree branches and power outages that left scores of area residents in the dark.

More than 5,300 Modesto Irrigation District customers lost electricity on Sunday, including those in areas such as west Modesto, north of Empire and north of the Vintage Faire Mall.

Metal sheeting was blown off of the new courthouse building under construction on 10th Street, and fire crews responded to multiple calls of downed trees and branches, according to an incident summary from the Modesto Fire Department.

One tree fell into power lines onto a house on Thrasher Avenue, causing the gas meter to leak, according to the report.

The Modesto Irrigation District eventually secured power in the area and PG&E secured the gas meter.

How fast were wind gusts in Modesto?

Wind gusts were recorded at The Modesto City-County Airport up to 55 mph, said Idamis Shoemaker, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

At the Stockton Metropolitan Airport, 28 miles north of Modesto, gusts were recorded as high as 60 mph, Shoemaker said.

What’s in the weather forecast?

Winds are not expected to be as powerful on Monday, Shoemaker said.

There will be breezy winds in the region around 20 to 22 mph.

What to do during a high-wind warning

A high-wind warning is issued when sustained winds of 40 mph or greater or wind gusts 58 mph or greater are expected, according to the National Weather Service.

Before a storm comes, you should be sure your property is secure, according to the agency.

Remove any dead trees or overhanging branches near structures, loose roofing materials and other loose objects that could blow away.

Shutter windows securely, brace outside doors and bring in unsecured objects from patios and balconies.

The safest place to be during high winds is indoors, according to the agency.

If you are caught outside during high winds, take cover next to a building or under a shelter, the agency says.

Watch for flying debris and keep an eye toward nearby balconies for loose objects that may fall.

If you are driving, keep a safe distance from cars in adjacent lanes as strong gusts could push a car outside its lane of travel, according to the agency.

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