Asheville, North Carolina – Powerful northwest winds are expected to sweep across the mountains of western North Carolina early Sunday, creating hazardous travel conditions and increasing the risk of downed trees and scattered power outages through the day.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, a Wind Advisory is in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday for much of the North Carolina mountain region. The advisory applies to elevations above 3,500 feet in Buncombe, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell, Swain, Yancey, Graham, Macon, and Jackson counties, as well as all of Avery County. Sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph along exposed ridges.
The strongest winds are expected between early morning and late afternoon, particularly along the Blue Ridge Parkway and higher elevations near Banner Elk, Newland, Highlands, Cashiers, and Rainbow Springs. Gusty conditions may make driving difficult for high-profile vehicles and could lead to blowing debris on mountain roads.
Tree limbs may be knocked down during peak gusts, which could result in isolated power outages. Residents in higher elevations are urged to secure outdoor items and limit unnecessary travel during the advisory window.
Winds should begin to diminish after 6 p.m. Sunday, though breezy conditions may linger into the evening hours. Officials recommend staying alert for updates in case advisories are extended or expanded as conditions evolve.
