Greenville, SC – Strong northwest winds continue to impact the North Carolina High Country this morning, with a Wind Advisory in effect for Avery, Yancey, and Mitchell counties through noon Sunday. Forecasters warn that gusts up to 50 mph may cause downed limbs, scattered outages, and hazardous travel across higher elevation communities.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, Avery County will see 15 to 25 mph winds with gusts near 50 mph, especially in exposed ridge-top areas around Newland, Ingalls, and Banner Elk. In Mitchell and Yancey counties, winds will be strongest above 3,500 feet, where sustained 20 to 30 mph winds may produce gusts up to 50 mph.
According to the NWS, these winds may blow around unsecured outdoor items and cause tree limbs to fall. A few isolated power outages are possible, particularly in rural mountain communities and remote ridge corridors.
High-profile vehicles may experience difficult driving conditions on mountain roads this morning, including stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway, NC-226, and US-19E near Spruce Pine and Burnsville.
Winds are expected to gradually diminish after midday as the pressure gradient weakens and cooler, drier air settles in behind the departing weather system.
