Roanoke, Virginia – Powerful west winds are sweeping across the Blue Ridge and adjacent foothills Friday, creating dangerous conditions that could lead to widespread power outages and hazardous travel through late evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, a High Wind Warning remains in effect until Friday night for portions of southwest Virginia and northwestern North Carolina. Sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected, with gusts reaching up to 60 mph across higher terrain and exposed areas. Counties impacted include Roanoke, Floyd, Carroll, Grayson, and parts of the New River Valley, along with Ashe, Alleghany, and Watauga counties in North Carolina.
Communities such as Roanoke, Salem, Floyd, Galax, Boone, West Jefferson, and Sparta are likely to see the strongest gusts, especially along ridgelines and gaps. Emergency managers warn that trees and power lines may come down as winds peak, leading to scattered to widespread outages. Travel will be difficult on open highways and mountain roads, particularly for high profile vehicles vulnerable to strong crosswinds.
Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, avoid parking near trees, and remain indoors during the strongest wind periods. Drivers should be alert for fallen limbs and debris on roadways.
The High Wind Warning remains in effect through Friday night, with winds expected to gradually weaken later tonight, though lingering outages and travel issues may persist into early Saturday.
