Blacksburg, VA – Strong and potentially damaging winds are expected across southwest Virginia and nearby mountain regions beginning Friday and continuing through Friday night, prompting multiple wind alerts from the National Weather Service.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, a High Wind Watch is in effect for the southern Blue Ridge from Boone, North Carolina, to Roanoke, Virginia. In this area, sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph are expected, with gusts up to 50 mph possible.
A Wind Advisory has also been issued for much of the mountains, along the Blue Ridge, and into the North Carolina High Country, where winds are forecast to increase to 20 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching as high as 58 mph. The strongest winds are expected behind Friday’s rainfall, developing Friday afternoon and intensifying into the evening and overnight hours.
Communities that could see the strongest impacts include Roanoke, Blacksburg, Wytheville, Boone, and surrounding higher-elevation areas. Forecasters warn that exposed ridges and gaps will be especially prone to powerful gusts.
The gusty conditions may knock down tree limbs, blow around unsecured outdoor items, and lead to isolated power outages. Travel may become difficult for high-profile vehicles, particularly on east–west routes and elevated roadways.
Residents are urged to secure holiday decorations, trash cans, and other loose outdoor objects ahead of the strongest winds. Those in wind-prone mountain locations should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
Winds are expected to gradually ease late Friday night into early Saturday as the system moves out of the region.
