Winds made travel hazardous

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - The temperature has been dropping all day, and the wind has stayed strong. Both of those elements gave folks in the Wabash Valley some tough challenges as they headed out Wednesday.

There were toppled light posts, flags flying straight across and signs knocked over as if they were toys. Even shopping carts were flying into different parking lots. Christmas decorations, lawn furniture and trash cans also created road hazards.

Winds of 30 to 40 mph tore through the Wabash Valley Wednesday. Wind gusts around 50 mph were reported in Vincennes.

High profile vehicles, such as trucks or SUV's swayed in their lanes. Snapped cables contributed to power outages in Vigo County.

On top of the wind, temperatures dove below freezing and made the rain from yesterday another hazard. Bridges and overpasses began to freeze first.

A few crossing guards here in Vigo County were concerned motorists will not slow down.

"You're in the car, we're out in the element. Give us a break. Especially, these kids that have to walk. We have about four of them that walk no matter what the weather is," a school crossing guard, Wilma Lewellyn said.