Alert archive / North Carolina / High Wind Warnings in 2020

High Wind Warning 4, NWS Blacksburg, VA

December 21, 2020Alleghany County, Ashe County, Watauga County, North Carolina; Grayson County, Virginia

NWS Blacksburg, VA issued this high wind warning at Dec 21, 2020, 2:15 PM EST for Alleghany County, Ashe County, Watauga County, North Carolina; Grayson County, Virginia. It took effect at Dec 21, 2020, 6:00 PM EST. It was in force for 18 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Dec 21, 2020, 2:15 PM EST (19:15 UTC)
In effect from
Dec 21, 2020, 6:00 PM EST
Expired
Dec 22, 2020, 12:00 PM EST
In force
18 hr
Issued by
NWS Blacksburg, VA

Counties Alleghany County, NC, Ashe County, NC, Watauga County, NC, Grayson County, VA

The radar

The Roanoke radar (KFCX), 118 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 19:20 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Greensboro/Hi Pt, NC (KGSO), launched 12:00Z, 7.3 hours before the alert went out and 140 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Greensboro/Hi Pt, NC at 12:00Z on 2020-12-21Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Greensboro/Hi Pt, NC at 12:00Z on 2020-12-21The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -14 square meters per square second.19395878Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
956 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
39 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-14 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
81 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

908 
WWUS71 KRNK 211915
NPWRNK

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
215 PM EST Mon Dec 21 2020

NCZ001-002-018-VAZ015-220315-
/O.UPG.KRNK.WI.Y.0022.201221T2300Z-201222T1700Z/
/O.NEW.KRNK.HW.W.0004.201221T2300Z-201222T1700Z/
Ashe-Alleghany NC-Watauga-Grayson-
Including the cities of West Jefferson, Sparta, Boone, 
Independence, Whitetop, Troutdale, and Volney
215 PM EST Mon Dec 21 2020

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON EST
TUESDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...In Virginia, Grayson County. In North Carolina, Ashe, 
  Alleghany NC and Watauga Counties.

* WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to noon EST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines.
  Widespread power outages are expected. Use extra caution when
  driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...In addition to the wind, snow showers are 
  expected overnight into Tuesday morning. Snow accumulations 
  from 1 inch at the lower elevations to 3 inches at the higher 
  elevations can be expected. Blowing and drifting snow will be 
  possible as well.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around
trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of
your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if
you must drive.

&&

$$

NCZ003-019-VAZ019-020-023-024-032>035-WVZ507-220315-
/O.EXA.KRNK.WI.Y.0022.201221T2300Z-201222T1700Z/
Surry-Wilkes-Alleghany VA-Bath-Botetourt-Rockbridge-Patrick-
Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-Eastern Greenbrier-
Including the cities of Dobson, Wilkesboro, Clifton Forge, 
Covington, Hot Springs, Fincastle, Lexington, Buena Vista, 
Stuart, Rocky Mount, Bedford, Amherst, Lewisburg, 
White Sulphur Springs, and Alderson
215 PM EST Mon Dec 21 2020

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON EST
TUESDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...Portions of central, south central, southwest and west 
  central Virginia, north central and northwest North Carolina 
  and southeast West Virginia.

* WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to noon EST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. 
  Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may 
  result.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...In addition to the wind, snow showers are 
  expected overnight into Tuesday morning. Snow accumulations 
  from 1 inch at the lower elevations to 3 inches at the higher 
  elevations can be expected. Blowing and drifting snow will be 
  possible as well.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

&&

$$

VAZ007-009>014-016>018-022-WVZ042>044-220315-
/O.CON.KRNK.WI.Y.0022.201221T2300Z-201222T1700Z/
Tazewell-Smyth-Bland-Giles-Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-Carroll-Floyd-
Craig-Roanoke-Mercer-Summers-Monroe-
Including the cities of Tazewell, Marion, Bland, Pearisburg, 
Wytheville, Radford, Pulaski, Blacksburg, Galax, Floyd, 
New Castle, Roanoke, Salem, Bluefield, Flat Top, Hinton, Hix, 
and Union
215 PM EST Mon Dec 21 2020

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON
EST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...Portions of southwest and west central Virginia and 
  southeast West Virginia.

* WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to noon EST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. 
  Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may 
  result.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...In addition to the wind, snow showers are 
  expected overnight into Tuesday morning. Snow accumulations 
  from 1 inch at the lower elevations to 3 inches at the higher 
  elevations can be expected. Blowing and drifting snow will be 
  possible as well.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

&&

$$
3 follow-up statements
872 
WWUS71 KRNK 212127
NPWRNK

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
427 PM EST Mon Dec 21 2020

NCZ001-002-018-VAZ015-220600-
/O.CON.KRNK.HW.W.0004.201221T2300Z-201222T1700Z/
Ashe-Alleghany NC-Watauga-Grayson-
Including the cities of West Jefferson, Sparta, Boone, 
Independence, Whitetop, Troutdale, and Volney
427 PM EST Mon Dec 21 2020

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON EST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...In Virginia, Grayson County. In North Carolina, Ashe, 
  Alleghany NC and Watauga Counties.

* WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to noon EST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. 
  Widespread power outages are expected. Use extra caution when 
  driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...In addition to the wind, snow showers are
  expected overnight into Tuesday morning. Snow accumulations from
  a coating at the lower elevations to 2 inches at the higher 
  elevations can be expected. Blowing and drifting snow will be 
  possible as well.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around
trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of
your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if
you must drive.

&&

$$

NCZ003-019-VAZ007-009>014-016>020-022>024-032>035-WVZ042>044-507-
220600-
/O.CON.KRNK.WI.Y.0022.201221T2300Z-201222T1700Z/
Surry-Wilkes-Tazewell-Smyth-Bland-Giles-Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-
Carroll-Floyd-Craig-Alleghany VA-Bath-Roanoke-Botetourt-
Rockbridge-Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-Mercer-Summers-Monroe-
Eastern Greenbrier-
Including the cities of Dobson, Wilkesboro, Tazewell, Marion, 
Bland, Pearisburg, Wytheville, Radford, Pulaski, Blacksburg, 
Galax, Floyd, New Castle, Clifton Forge, Covington, Hot Springs, 
Roanoke, Salem, Fincastle, Lexington, Buena Vista, Stuart, 
Rocky Mount, Bedford, Amherst, Bluefield, Flat Top, Hinton, Hix, 
Union, Lewisburg, White Sulphur Springs, and Alderson
427 PM EST Mon Dec 21 2020

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON EST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected,
  especially on the hilltops.

* WHERE...Portions of southwest and west central Virginia and 
  southeast West Virginia.

* WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to noon EST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. 
  Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may 
  result.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...In addition to the wind, snow showers are
  expected overnight into Tuesday morning. Snow accumulations from
  a coating at the lower elevations to 2 inches at the higher 
  elevations can be expected. Blowing and drifting snow will be 
  possible as well.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

&&

$$

MBS
457 
WWUS71 KRNK 220928
NPWRNK

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
428 AM EST Tue Dec 22 2020

NCZ001-002-018-VAZ015-221700-
/O.CON.KRNK.HW.W.0004.000000T0000Z-201222T1700Z/
Ashe-Alleghany NC-Watauga-Grayson-
Including the cities of West Jefferson, Sparta, Boone, 
Independence, Whitetop, Troutdale, and Volney
428 AM EST Tue Dec 22 2020

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON EST TODAY...

* WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...In Virginia, Grayson County. In North Carolina, Ashe, 
  Alleghany NC and Watauga Counties.

* WHEN...Until noon EST today.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. 
  Widespread power outages are expected. Use extra caution when 
  driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around
trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of
your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if
you must drive.

&&

$$

NCZ003-019-VAZ007-009>014-016>020-022>024-032>035-WVZ042>044-507-
221700-
/O.CON.KRNK.WI.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-201222T1700Z/
Surry-Wilkes-Tazewell-Smyth-Bland-Giles-Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-
Carroll-Floyd-Craig-Alleghany VA-Bath-Roanoke-Botetourt-
Rockbridge-Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-Mercer-Summers-Monroe-
Eastern Greenbrier-
Including the cities of Dobson, Wilkesboro, Tazewell, Marion, 
Bland, Pearisburg, Wytheville, Radford, Pulaski, Blacksburg, 
Galax, Floyd, New Castle, Clifton Forge, Covington, Hot Springs, 
Roanoke, Salem, Fincastle, Lexington, Buena Vista, Stuart, 
Rocky Mount, Bedford, Amherst, Bluefield, Flat Top, Hinton, Hix, 
Union, Lewisburg, White Sulphur Springs, and Alderson
428 AM EST Tue Dec 22 2020

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON EST TODAY...

* WHAT...West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph 
  expected, especially on the hilltops.

* WHERE...Portions of southwest and west central Virginia,
  southeast West Virginia, and the foothill in northwest North
  Carolina.

* WHEN...Until noon EST today.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. 
  Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may 
  result.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

&&

$$
832 
WWUS71 KRNK 221656
NPWRNK

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
1156 AM EST Tue Dec 22 2020

NCZ001-002-018-VAZ015-221800-
/O.EXP.KRNK.HW.W.0004.000000T0000Z-201222T1700Z/
Ashe-Alleghany NC-Watauga-Grayson-
Including the cities of West Jefferson, Sparta, Boone, 
Independence, Whitetop, Troutdale, and Volney
1156 AM EST Tue Dec 22 2020

...HIGH WIND WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT NOON EST TODAY...

Winds will remain breezy with gusts up to 35 MPH this afternoon.
Winds will continue to weaken going into this evening.

$$

NCZ003-019-VAZ007-009>014-016>020-022>024-032>035-WVZ042>044-507-
221800-
/O.EXP.KRNK.WI.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-201222T1700Z/
Surry-Wilkes-Tazewell-Smyth-Bland-Giles-Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-
Carroll-Floyd-Craig-Alleghany VA-Bath-Roanoke-Botetourt-
Rockbridge-Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-Mercer-Summers-Monroe-
Eastern Greenbrier-
Including the cities of Dobson, Wilkesboro, Tazewell, Marion, 
Bland, Pearisburg, Wytheville, Radford, Pulaski, Blacksburg, 
Galax, Floyd, New Castle, Clifton Forge, Covington, Hot Springs, 
Roanoke, Salem, Fincastle, Lexington, Buena Vista, Stuart, 
Rocky Mount, Bedford, Amherst, Bluefield, Flat Top, Hinton, Hix, 
Union, Lewisburg, White Sulphur Springs, and Alderson
1156 AM EST Tue Dec 22 2020

...WIND ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT NOON EST TODAY...

Winds will remain breezy with gusts up to 25 MPH this afternoon.
Winds will continue to weaken going into this evening.

$$
RCS

The office that day

Everything else NWS Blacksburg, VA issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Dec 21, 5:05 AM ESTWind AdvisoryRNKAlleghany, Ashe, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes31 hr

Nearby

High Wind Warnings in North Carolina, 2020High Wind Warnings in Virginia, 2020Every high wind warning in 2020

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.