While snow oftentimes generates vibrant forecast maps and mind-boggling totals, ice can be a deceptively shallower threat. It takes several inches of snow for impacts to build up; ice can be treacherous with just a glaze.

"Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and some power outages may result," the National Weather Service warned. "Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution."

Hold onto your hats because winds whipping across the Northeast and New England on Thursday have the potential to cause power outages and delay travel just as people get back into their normal routines after the holidays.

BOSTON - Strong wind gusts across Massachusetts have caused scattered pockets of damage and a few power outages. Wind advisories are up across the state through 10 p.m. Thursday. Winds are expected to max out in the 40 to 55 mph range.

As the wind gusts pick up, the number of power outages across Massachusetts is increasing.

Worcester County, and much of the rest of Massachusetts, are under a wind advisory until 10 p.m. Thursday, with sustained winds coming from the west at 20 to 30 mph, and gusts of up to 55 mph in the forecast.

Cold is waiting to pour into New England, but for now the wind gusts have taken hold and could top out at 50-55 mph Thursday in some spots.