The last thing this area needs with ground softened by constant rain is a high wind warning.
Yep, that’s what we have the National Weather Service and it remains in place through 7 p.m. Saturday.
Issued by: Blacksburg – National Weather Service,
…HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST THIS EVENING… The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued a High Wind Warning, which is in effect until 7 PM EST this evening. The Wind Advisory is no longer in effect. * Winds…Northwest 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. * Timing…Mainly through this morning into the mid-afternoon. * Impacts…Some downed trees and power lines possible. Difficult driving conditions at higher elevations, through mountain passes, and on north-south oriented roadways. * Locations…Along and near the Blue Ridge from near Galax/Hillsville to Roanoke, to Buchanan/Arcadia. * Hazards…Very strong and gusty northwest winds. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A High Wind Warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts of 58 mph are likely to cause power outages…fallen trees… property damage…and dangerous driving conditions for high profile vehicles. Move unfastened items…such as garbage cans and deck furniture…indoors.
More Information
…Strong and Gusty Northwest Winds Expected Today… .A strong upper-level and associated surface low pressure system will move northeast toward the Mid-Atlantic coast today. As this occurs, strong and gusty northwest winds will develop across the region this morning and continue into the afternoon. The strongest winds are expected this morning into the early and mid- afternoon along and near the Blue Ridge from northwest North Carolina toward Roanoke Virginia. Some winds gusts could be as high as 55 to 60 mph, especially at elevations above 3500 feet along the Blue ridge. The ground remains very saturated from all of the recent and repeated rainfall. Thus, shallow and poorly rooted trees could be uprooted and in other cases some tree limbs could be torn off trees, resulting in scattered power outages. High profile vehicles will want to exercise caution on north-south roadways, especially while traveling at higher elevations in the mountains.