Forecast: Strong winds Wednesday night; temps drop back below freezing

After hitting a high of 52 Wednesday, temperatures on Long Island are forecast to drop below freezing Wednesday night with wind chill values between 15 and 20, the National Weather Service report stated.

There could be gusts of up to 36 mph tonight, according to the weather service, with a steady northwest wind between 14 to 21 mph. 

The weather service issued a wind advisory, in effect until at least 10 p.m. Wednesday."Winds this strong," the weather service said in a statement, "can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution." Potential impacts, according the bulletin, are that winds could "blow around" unsecured objects and can also knock down tree limbs, trees and utility lines.

As of 4 p.m., PSEG's website noted there were 22 active outages impacting 348 customers.

A gale warning also is in effect for all Long Island waters, including Long Island Sound and all South Shore inlets, bays and ocean waters. That warning is in effect through 1 a.m. Thursday.

The weather service said that while Long Islanders can expect sunny skies Thursday, wind chill values will still feel like it's in the teens outside — a high of just 37 degrees expected. A mix of rain and snow is possible Friday night into Saturday.