Delaware, Sullivan and Otsego counties should expect high winds, lengthy power outages

Attention Delaware, Sullivan and Otsego County residents: You should expect seriously high winds tomorrow that will cause large-scale power outages that may last for several days.

According to an NY-Alert issued this afternoon, forecasters are expecting 40mph winds to blow for up to an hour at a time as Hurricane Irene passes over on Sunday, with "frequent" 50mph gusts to boot. The National Weather Service in Binghamton is predicting "downed trees with widespread power outages." 

Here's the full text of the alert:

High Wind Warning In Effect From 6 AM To 8 PM EDT Sunday... The National Weather Service In Binghamton Has Issued A High Wind Warning...Which Is In Effect From 6 AM To 8 PM EDT Sunday. The High Wind Watch Is No Longer In Effect. * Locations...Across Otsego County...The Western Catskills...And Poconos...Especially In The Higher Terrain. * Hazards...Combination Of Strong Winds And Saturated Ground Will Result In Downed Trees And Power Lines. * Winds...Early Sunday Morning Northerly Winds Will Increase To 35 To 40 Mph With Frequent Gusts Around 50 Mph. The Winds Will Gradually Shift To The Northwest And Weaken Sunday Evening. * Timing...Sunday Through Sunday Evening. * Impacts...These Conditions Will Result In Downed Trees With Widespread Power Outages And Possibly Property Damage. Instructions: A High Wind Warning Is Issued When Sustained Winds Of 40 Mph Are Expected For At Least An Hour...With Frequent Gusts Of 50 Mph Or Greater. Damage To Trees...Power Lines...And Property Are Possible With Winds Of This Magnitude. Be Prepared For The Possibility Of Trees Blocking Roads And Widespread Power Outages. At Home...You Should Be Prepared To Be Without Power For Several Days. Make Sure You Have Adequate Supplies Of Food And Medicine. Please Report Damage To The National Weather Service By Calling Toll Free At 1-877-633-6772...Or By Email At Bgm.Stormreport@Noaa.Gov.