Data available from September 1, 2005 | Updated November 2025
Author note from Kenneth Reece – After a wind gust of 68 mph in Boone on Sunday April 3, 2016 my curiosity was piqued to research how often that had happen, so into weather data I dove. Surprisingly there was not one place that had information already put together about wind, much like when I researched and put together the pages on High Country Tornado History and High Country Earthquake History.
In looking back through data from the Watauga Medical Center reporting station, all 4,611 days that wind data was available, I was quite surprised to not only learn how many times there had been a gust of 60mph or more, but how many times a 70mph+ gust had occurred. Take note that wind gust data was only available from September 1, 2005.
50 times 60 mph gusts or more have been recorded, of those 4 were 70 mph or more.
2022-2025 Update: No additional wind gusts of 60+ mph have been recorded at the Watauga Medical Center station since January 17, 2022. While the station has experienced numerous high wind events during this period, including Hurricane Helene in September 2024, peak gusts at this valley-level location have remained below the 60 mph threshold. However, nearby higher-elevation stations continue to record extreme winds, with Mount Mitchell reaching 106 mph during Hurricane Helene.
High in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Boone experiences some of the most dramatic wind events in the region.
Located at an elevation of over 3,300 feet, this mountain town is no stranger to powerful gusts that sweep across the High Country.
This interactive article explores the history of recorded wind gusts in Boone since 2005, when consistent data collection began.
The wind rose graphic (courtesy of the State Climate Office of North Carolina) shows wind speed and direction from March 30, 2001 to December 21, 2022.
50
Gusts Over 60 MPH
4
Gusts Over 70 MPH
75
MPH Record (Boone)
124
MPH (Grandfather Mt.)
Wind Gust Distribution
Top Wind Events (70+ MPH)
December 27, 2012 75 MPH
BOONE RECORD! At 3:35 AM, Boone recorded its highest wind gust on record at 75 mph.
This powerful overnight wind event caused widespread damage and power outages across the High Country.
April 17, 2007 72 MPH
The second-highest wind gust recorded in Boone occurred at 1:22 AM during a powerful spring storm system
that swept through Western North Carolina.
April 16, 2007 71 MPH
Just hours before the 72 mph gust, Boone recorded 71 mph at 12:03 AM. This was part of an intense
multi-day wind event in mid-April 2007.
December 21, 2012 70 MPH
Six days before the record-breaking 75 mph gust, Boone experienced 70 mph winds at 7:35 PM.
December 2012 was an exceptionally windy period for the High Country.
Notable Recent Wind Events (2022-2025)
September 27, 2024 44 MPH
Hurricane Helene: While the Watauga Medical Center station recorded only 44 mph winds at 9:15 AM,
this historic event brought catastrophic flooding to the High Country, marking Boone's worst flood since 1940.
Nearby higher elevation stations recorded much more severe winds, with Mount Mitchell measuring 106 mph gusts.
The combination of record rainfall and predecessor rain event made Helene one of the most devastating weather
disasters in Western North Carolina history.
March 10, 2024 55 MPH
A strong cold front passage brought winds just below the 60 mph threshold at 11:15 AM. This event caused
widespread power outages across the High Country, with Blue Ridge Energy reporting multiple damaged locations
and hundreds of affected customers in Watauga, Ashe, and Caldwell counties.
January 17, 2022 68 MPH
The most recent 60+ mph wind gust recorded at the Watauga Medical Center station occurred at 8:39 AM.
This remains the last time the station has measured winds exceeding 60 mph.
Did You Know?
The Research Journey: This comprehensive wind gust database was compiled by Kenneth Reece,
who was inspired to dig into weather data after experiencing a 68 mph gust on April 3, 2016. His curiosity
led to the creation of one of the most detailed local wind records in the region.
Mountain Wind Dynamics: Boone's location along the Blue Ridge escarpment creates unique
wind patterns. The terrain channels and accelerates air masses, making the area particularly susceptible
to powerful wind events, especially during frontal passages and winter storms.
Nearby Extremes: While Boone's record stands at 75 mph, nearby Grandfather Mountain has
recorded astonishing gusts up to 124 mph! The mountain's exposed summit at 5,946 feet experiences some of
the highest wind speeds in the eastern United States.
Seasonal Patterns: The strongest wind gusts typically occur during winter and spring months,
when powerful cold fronts and nor'easters sweep through the region. Summer thunderstorms can also produce
brief but intense gusts exceeding 60 mph.
Recent Calm Period: Since January 2022, the Watauga Medical Center station has not recorded
any wind gusts exceeding 60 mph, representing one of the longest periods without such an event since data
collection began in 2005. This demonstrates the natural variability in wind patterns across the High Country.
Complete Wind Gust Record (60+ MPH)
All recorded wind gusts of 60 mph or greater at the Watauga Medical Center reporting station from September 1, 2005 through January 17, 2022. Events 70+ mph are highlighted.
