Last Updated on December 31, 2025 12:25 pm
HIGH COUNTRY – The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for portions of northwest North Carolina, central, south central, southwest, and west central Virginia, and southeast West Virginia, effective from 9 PM Wednesday evening through Noon EST Thursday, January 1, 2026.
What to Expect: West winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected.
North Carolina Counties Affected: Ashe, Alleghany, and Watauga counties, including the cities of West Jefferson, Sparta, and Boone.
Virginia Counties Affected: Tazewell, Smyth, Bland, Giles, Wythe, Pulaski, Montgomery, Grayson, Carroll, Floyd, Craig, Alleghany, Bath, Roanoke, Botetourt, Rockbridge, Patrick, Franklin, Bedford, and Amherst counties. Major cities include Pulaski, Galax, Floyd, Pearisburg, Lexington, Rocky Mount, Wytheville, Roanoke, New Castle, Bedford, Amherst, Radford, Hot Springs, Tazewell, Fincastle, Stuart, Marion, Salem, Covington, Blacksburg, Clifton Forge, and Buena Vista.
West Virginia Counties Affected: Mercer, Summers, Monroe, Eastern Greenbrier, and Western Greenbrier counties, including the cities of Bluefield, Hinton, Quinwood, Flat Top, White Sulphur Springs, Alderson, Lewisburg, Union, and Rainelle.
When: The advisory is in effect from 9 PM Wednesday, December 31, 2025 through Noon EST Thursday, January 1, 2026.
Impacts: Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Safety Precautions:
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Motorists should use extra caution when traveling.
Residents are advised to secure outdoor objects such as trash cans, lawn furniture, and holiday decorations before the winds arrive.
For the latest weather updates and warnings, visit the National Weather Service website or monitor local news sources.
