Asheville, NC – Strong winds moved through Asheville and surrounding Western North Carolina on Saturday, February 7, 2026, creating hazardous travel conditions and prompting weather alerts across the region.
According to the National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg, wind gusts across the area reached 45 mph or higher, with Asheville Regional Airport recording a peak gust of 64 mph. That reading tied the airport’s all-time wind gust record, previously set on March 3, 1993.
The strongest winds were observed in higher elevations, where Grandfather Mountain recorded a peak gust of 88 mph. Other nearby locations reported gusts between 55 and 67 mph, confirming the widespread impact of the wind event.
In Asheville, the high winds created safety concerns for drivers, particularly on elevated roadways, bridges, and north-south routes exposed to crosswinds. Officials warned that high-profile vehicles, including trucks and vans, faced increased risk throughout the day.
The wind event was driven by a strong storm system moving across the Southeast, with peak impacts occurring from late morning through the afternoon hours. Forecasters noted that mountain terrain can intensify wind speeds, increasing the risk of downed trees and isolated power disruptions.
Residents were urged to secure loose outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel during peak wind periods, and use caution when driving across exposed roadways throughout Asheville and Buncombe County.
Weather officials said conditions were expected to gradually improve by Saturday evening as winds weakened across the region.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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