Blacksburg, VA – A wide stretch of the Southern Appalachians will see dangerous winds develop overnight, as the National Weather Service in Blacksburg issues a Wind Advisory from midnight tonight through noon Sunday for parts of North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.
According to the Weather Service, west winds will increase rapidly after midnight, reaching sustained speeds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts approaching 50 mph. The advisory includes mountain communities across Ashe, Alleghany and Watauga counties in North Carolina; Tazewell, Smyth, Wythe, Montgomery, Roanoke, Botetourt, Bath, Alleghany, and Carroll counties in Virginia; and Mercer, Summers, Monroe and both Greenbrier counties in West Virginia.
Forecasters warn that the strongest winds will occur between 4 AM and late morning Sunday, particularly along higher ridges and exposed western slopes. Tree limbs may be blown down, unsecured objects can be tossed around, and scattered power outages are possible in rural and heavily wooded locations.
High-profile vehicles may experience hazardous crosswinds along sections of I-77, I-81, I-64, US-421, US-21 and the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially near Fancy Gap, Whitetop, Flat Top, and other high-elevation passes.
Residents across the region are urged to secure outdoor decorations, trash bins and loose equipment before winds intensify. Officials also recommend charging mobile devices ahead of time in the event of brief service interruptions.
Wind speeds will gradually decrease after midday Sunday, but breezy conditions may persist through the afternoon as colder air settles into the mountains.
