The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for New London County until 7 p.m. A gale warning remains in effect until midnight.

The weather service said strong northwest winds will continue this afternoon, in the wake of an arctic cold front. Winds will diminish tonight as the pressure gradient eases.

Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts around 50 mph can be expected through this afternoon. The Weather Channel is reporting temperatures in New London to be 20 degrees with the wind chill making it feel like 3 degrees.

Winds this strong can make driving and operating a boat difficult, and the National Weather Service is advising drivers and mariners to be cautious.

Almost 500 customers of Connecticut Light & Power are in the dark right now, according to the company's Web site.

CL&P is reporting 177 people in Montville are without power, 130 in Old Saybrook, 88 in Stonington and 41 in Salem.