High winds are setting in to Lorain County, and area fire and rescue squads are getting multiple reports of trees and wires down and traffic lights out.

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Forecasters say Ohio should be spared the heavy snow that has buried the Upper Midwest, but a storm is expected to leave the state wind-whipped.

A high wind warning is posted for most Ohio counties, with the National Weather Service saying gusts of up to 60 mph are possible beginning Wednesday afternoon.

Lorain County has a high wind warning in effect from 9 a.m. today until 1 a.m. Thursday morning.

Weather service meteorologist Andy Hatzos says the winds could cause minor damage. He says outdoor holiday displays could go flying.

According to the National Weather Service, rain showers are likely this morning, and snow showers are likely this afternoon with up to an inch of accumulation. Today will be windy with highs in the upper 40s and temperatures falling into the mid 30s in the afternoon.

South winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph are expected, becoming southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Tonight will be cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow showers and very windy and much cooler with lows around 19. Expect southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph.

Tomorrow will be cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow and windy and much colder with highs in the lower 20s. Expect west winds of 25 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

Utilities say they’re ready for the onslaught. Columbus-based American Electric Power says it has been clearing away branches near its lines in case of a big storm.

Gov. Ted Strickland tells Columbus station WSYX-TV that state agencies are “fully prepared” to protect citizens from the storm and its aftermath.

Info from The Associated Press and the National Weather Service.