Windy weather and a forecast of heavy thunderstorms top the warnings this Sunday afternoon as the National Weather Service office in Blacksburg issues a “wind advisory” running from noon to 10 pm for Southwestern Virginia, Southern West Virginia and the North Carolina mountains with gusts reaching 57 miles per hour.

NWS predicts the winds “could topple weaker trees, bring down limbs and cause “localized power outages.”

In other words, more strong weather warnings in yet another pattern that now appears normal for our area.

Thunderstorms should arrive shortly after 11 am with predictions of heavy rain, aided by high winds, extending into the afternoon and early evening.

From NWS:

…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 10 PM EDT THIS EVENING… The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued a Wind Advisory, which is in effect from noon today to 10 PM EDT this evening. * Winds…South 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. * Timing…This afternoon into early this evening. * Impacts…These strong winds could topple weaker trees and limbs, with localized power outages possible. * Locations…Southern West Virginia, Southwest Virginia, and the North Carolina Mountains. * Hazards…Strong wind gusts. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A Wind Advisory is issued when sustained winds are forecast to be 31 to 39 MPH or gusts will range between 46 and 57 MPH. Winds of these magnitudes may cause minor property damage without extra precautions. Motorists in high profile vehicles should use extra caution until the winds subside.

More Information

STRONG SOUTH WINDS EXPECTED THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING AHEAD OF A COLD FRONT… .A strong low level wind field will develop ahead of cold front this afternoon. South winds will increase to 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph, especially along the higher terrain.

In times like this, the words of singer, songwriter Bob Dylan says it better:

Yes, ‘n’ how many years can a mountain exist
Before it’s washed to the sea?
Yes, ‘n’ how many years can some people exist
Before they’re allowed to be free?
Yes, ‘n’ how many times can a man turn his head
And pretend that he just doesn’t see?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind

When weather is bad, turn to a poet to explain it all.

Be safe and be careful out there on this Sunday.