Huntsville, Alabama – Drivers across the Tennessee Valley may face sudden crosswinds and blowing debris by Sunday afternoon as strengthening south winds push across North Alabama and southern Middle Tennessee. Gusts approaching 40 mph could create difficult travel on exposed roadways including I-565, U.S. 72, and Highway 231, especially during the late-day commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Huntsville, a Wind Advisory begins at 1 p.m. Sunday and continues until 1 a.m. Monday for much of north central, northwest, and northeast Alabama along with nearby counties in southern Tennessee. Sustained winds are expected between 10 and 20 mph, with stronger gusts capable of knocking down small tree limbs and causing scattered power interruptions.
Cities including Huntsville, Decatur, Florence, Muscle Shoals, Scottsboro, Fort Payne, and Cullman fall within the advisory area. Across the Tennessee line, Fayetteville, Winchester, and Lynchburg could also see strong gusts during the evening hours.
Loose outdoor items such as patio furniture, trash cans, and temporary signage could be blown around as winds increase. Utility crews often see isolated outages during wind events of this strength when branches strike power lines.
Drivers operating tractor-trailers, RVs, or box trucks should use caution on bridges and elevated roadways where crosswinds are strongest.
The strongest gusts are expected late Sunday afternoon through Sunday night, with winds gradually easing after 1 a.m. Monday as the system moves east. Additional advisories could follow if stronger wind bands develop across the Tennessee Valley.
