The New York State Thruway Authority announced a ban empty tractor trailers and high-profile vehicles, and empty tandems from portions of the New York State Thruway system in the Western New York and the Finger Lakes Regions due to high wind warnings and high wind watches.

The ban will take effect beginning at noon on Saturday and remain until further notice.

Empty tractor trailers and tandems will be banned from the following highways:

— I-90 between exit 42 (Geneva) and exit 61 (Ripley to PA line)

— Niagara Thruway (I-190)

According to the National Weather Service, gusts up to 70 mph are expected Saturday afternoon and evening east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Strong winds are expected to produce areas of damage and power outages. Speed reductions may be implemented if necessary.

Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of winter weather conditions on the Thruway.