Blacksburg, Virginia – Strong west to northwest winds are expected to impact southwest Virginia and nearby regions from Monday evening through early Tuesday, creating hazardous travel conditions and the potential for damage in higher elevations.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, gusty winds will arrive Monday and intensify overnight, with peak wind gusts expected this evening into the overnight hours. Forecasters say northwest winds gusting between 40 and 60 mph are likely at times, especially along the higher elevations of the Blue Ridge.
In Blacksburg and Roanoke, gusty winds may make driving difficult, particularly for high-profile vehicles on exposed roadways. Stronger gusts are expected farther west and at higher elevations, including Wytheville, Pulaski, and parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway, where the strongest winds could persist into Tuesday morning.
The National Weather Service warns that loose or unsecured objects may be blown around, and residents are encouraged to secure outdoor items ahead of the strongest winds. While widespread outages were not explicitly forecast, isolated power disruptions are possible if tree limbs are damaged by strong gusts.
Winds are expected to remain strong through Tuesday morning, gradually easing later in the day as the weather system moves east. The strongest gusts are anticipated during the overnight hours when visibility may be limited, increasing travel risk.
Motorists traveling overnight or early Tuesday are urged to use extra caution, especially on ridge tops, bridges, and north–south oriented roads where crosswinds can be strongest.
Commuters, truck drivers, and residents in higher elevations are expected to experience the greatest impacts. Officials recommend monitoring updates from the National Weather Service and remaining alert for changing conditions as the wind event unfolds.
