Damaging Winds Likely For WNC Saturday Afternoon...Gusts Over 60MPH
Winds Gusting Over 60mph Possible For WNC Saturday Afternoon
A strong low pressure will strengthen over the Midwest and that will send a line of storms towards WNC. After this line passes, the backside upper level energy will really get moving. Between 2-9pm Saturday evening winds could gust over 60mph in some locations. Sustained winds of 20-30mph will beat down trees and power outages are likely for many around WNC. Below is the most recent HRRR model run depicting peak wind gusts around 4pm tomorrow afternoon. Us today to prepare for this system!
HRRR Model Courtesy of Pivotalweather.com
Where Will Highest Wind Gust Occur?
Usually these high wind gusts remain above 3500’ but most all models have gusts over 40mph dipping into most valley locations around WNC as the day progresses tomorrow. All short range models show around 3pm winds gust around 50mph at the Asheville Airport. As you proceed into higher elevations those gust could get to 60 or even 70mph!
Now Is The Time To Prepare
With a system like this, the main threat will be power outages. Be prepared to lose power over the next 36 hours due to tree limbs falling on power lines. This is likely to happen for many families in WNC! Have a meal that can be prepared without power, and make sure if you have a well you fill up a bathtub with water in case the power goes out. Your pump won’t work without electricity.
NAM 3km Wind Gusts For Saturday Afternoon
Below you can see the most recent 12z NAM 3km run. I find these models to be a tad high with wind gust potential, but this is one of the more potent runs I have seen. Typically when it shows gust around 40mph we get winds in the low 30’s. Now it is depicting gusts to 57mph at the Asheville Airport tomorrow afternoon. Based on previous observations, winds gusts will likely be in the mid to high 40mph range. This will certainly bring down trees across the area.
Nam 3km Wind Gusts Courtesy of Pivotalweather.com
Will We See Storms?
A few rumbles of Thunder will be possible early Saturday morning as the initial front pushes through, but with the timing of these storms, I am not expecting anything too severe. We may see some type of warning go out tomorrow afternoon though for the impending wind. Rainfall will be less than .5” and shouldn’t cause any problems. Be sure and report and wind damage you see to the AshevilleWX Weather Community Group on Facebook.