Raleigh, N.C. — Strong winds and sharply colder air sweep across central North Carolina Saturday, creating hazardous travel conditions along I-40, I-85, and I-95 as wind gusts peak between 30 and 45 mph.
The National Weather Service in Raleigh said a powerful pressure gradient behind a cold front drives frequent gusts throughout the day Saturday and into Saturday night. While skies remain mostly dry, the wind alone creates dangerous conditions for motorists, especially those operating high-profile vehicles.
The strongest gusts target open corridors including I-40 from Raleigh through Durham and Greensboro, I-85 near Hillsborough and Oxford, and I-95 from Rocky Mount south toward Fayetteville. Sudden crosswinds make steering difficult, particularly on bridges and elevated roadways.
Daytime temperatures struggle to climb out of the low to mid-30s Saturday, with wind chills stuck in the teens and lower 20s despite afternoon sunshine. After sunset, wind chills drop further, with some areas falling into the single digits late Saturday night into early Sunday morning.
Communities impacted include Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Greensboro, Burlington, Rocky Mount, Wilson, Fayetteville, and Goldsboro. Loose outdoor objects may blow into roadways, and falling tree limbs are possible in the strongest gusts.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation urged drivers to use extra caution, keep both hands on the wheel, and reduce speed during gusty conditions. Tractor-trailers and other tall vehicles face the highest risk of being pushed out of lanes.
Winds gradually ease Sunday morning as high pressure builds in, but cold air lingers. Early Sunday temperatures remain below freezing with lingering wind chills before a slow moderation later in the day.
No additional precipitation is expected, but the combination of strong winds and cold makes this one of the most impactful weather periods of the weekend for central North Carolina commuters.
