Last Updated on November 15, 2025 12:17 pm
Wind Advisory Issued for Watauga, Ashe Counties Through Sunday Noon
⚠️ Wind Advisory in Effect
When: Midnight Saturday night through Noon EST Sunday, November 16
Where: Watauga County, Ashe County, and surrounding High Country areas
Expected Conditions: West winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph
National Weather Service radar and alert map valid at 12:12 PM EST, November 15, 2025. The Wind Advisory covers Watauga and Ashe counties in North Carolina, along with portions of southwest Virginia and southeast West Virginia. (Image: NOAA/NWS)
BOONE — The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for Watauga County, Ashe County, and surrounding areas in the High Country, effective from midnight Saturday night through noon Sunday.
According to the advisory issued at 11:59 a.m. Saturday, residents should prepare for west winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts reaching up to 50 mph throughout the overnight hours and Sunday morning.
What to Expect
- Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects
- Tree limbs could be blown down
- Power outages are possible in affected areas
- Difficult driving conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles
Precautionary Actions
The National Weather Service recommends that residents take the following precautions:
Secure outdoor objects before the winds arrive. Items such as patio furniture, trash cans, decorations, and anything that could become airborne should be brought inside or properly anchored.
Use extra caution while driving, particularly if operating a high-profile vehicle such as a truck, SUV, or vehicle towing a trailer. Strong crosswinds can make vehicle control difficult.
Be prepared for possible power outages. Have flashlights, batteries, and alternative charging methods for mobile devices readily available.
Areas Affected
The Wind Advisory covers an extensive area of the central Appalachian region, including:
North Carolina: Watauga County (including Boone), Ashe County (including West Jefferson), and Alleghany County
Virginia: Tazewell, Smyth, Bland, Giles, Wythe, Pulaski, Montgomery, Grayson, Carroll, Floyd, Craig, Alleghany, Bath, Roanoke, and Botetourt counties, including the cities of Roanoke, Salem, Blacksburg, Radford, Marion, Wytheville, Galax, Independence, and Pulaski
West Virginia: Mercer, Summers, Monroe, and Greenbrier counties, including the cities of Bluefield, Hinton, Lewisburg, and White Sulphur Springs
Stay Informed
Residents are encouraged to monitor local weather forecasts and stay alert for any updates or changes to the advisory. The National Weather Service will provide updated information as conditions develop.
For the latest weather information and alerts affecting the High Country, visit weather.gov/rnk or follow WataugaOnline.com for continuing coverage.
This article is based on information from the National Weather Service Blacksburg, Virginia office. Weather conditions can change rapidly. For the most current information, consult official NWS sources.
