Strong winds complicate power restoration efforts through Saturday

Bradley Wells
·4 min read

WIND ADVISORY: Western Greenbrier until 10AM Saturday. Northwestern Pocahontas along with all of Nicholas, Fayette, and Raleigh counties until 7AM Saturday, April 13th, 2024. Sustained winds as high as 35mph with gusts of 50mph possible. With previous rainfall and more expected, soggy grounds can’t hold trees as well leading to downed trees in roads and power outages. Charge your devices, bring in outdoor decor and furniture, and give yourself some extra time while driving across the region.

Friday an upper level low that brought rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms on Thursday continues to spin across the Great Lakes. While the system is moving away, it is doing so slowly keeping showers in our region through the day. A few scattered showers this morning turn to more steady rains this afternoon. A rumble of thunder or two is possible this evening with little in the way of severe weather expected. The bigger headline of the day will be the strong winds outside of any storm.

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Sustained winds pushing 25-30mph with gusts 30-40mph area wide will complicate power restoration efforts and likely add to power outage numbers. Ridgelines across the higher elevations will see wind gusts as high as 50mph at times. Soft, soggy grounds and strong winds are a perfect set up for uprooted trees so be mindful while traveling.

Tonight our showers and isolated thunderstorm chances continue for much of the evening. Localized high water won’t be a widespread problem but low-lying areas will certainly give us some issues. As evening turns to night, storms fade with light showers remaining through midnight. Temps are steady in the 40s all night with stubborn clouds. Winds will still be howling 25-35mph at times right through Saturday.

Saturday winds are still pushing 25-30mph at times with more emphases on the higher elevations. Clouds are stubborn but high pressure slowly moves in to help clear us up. With the sunshine and westerly winds, temps push into the mid and upper 60s for most. Winds will continue to relax through the afternoon for a much calmer night. Overnight lows drop back into the 40s with westerly winds 10-15mph.

Sunday is looking sunny and beautiful after a cool morning. Temps rise steadily into the 70s midday with the help of westerly winds 15-20mph. Clouds will begin to filter back into the region Sunday evening as showers are likely Sunday night into Monday morning. With a 24 hour break, we’ll be in good shape for the 0.25″ – 0.50″ of rain expected.

Monday a few morning showers will eventually fade to an isolated sprinkle in the afternoon. Temps are still running mild as we make our way into the mid and upper 70s.

Tuesday will be a day many call hot this early in April as we soar past seasonal averages by lunchtime with our highs pushing into the upper 70s and low 80s. Sunshine to start with increasing clouds for the later hours of the evening. A few sprinkles try to get started Tuesday night into Wednesday.

Wednesday we turn a bit unsettled in the heat and humidity with highs in the mid 70s for most. A stray sprinkle or two in the morning eventually become isolated showers for the afternoon. A better chance of rain towards our evening and overnight.

Thursday is a soggy day with winds expected to be elevated as a cold front approaches. Showers, some heavy at times, pass in scattered fashion. Once the front crosses late Thursday night into Friday morning, a rumble of thunder or two is likely. Rain continues much of the night as winds carry in colder air for Friday.

In your extended forecast we find ourselves closer to average for April back into the upper 50s and low 60s. Showers and thunderstorms are in the mix as we continue the spring transition from cold to warm. A great reminder that spring can be a very active time for our region when it comes to strong storms.

FRIDAY
Sct. showers / iso. T-storms. Highs in the 40s
SATURDAY
Gradual clearing, windy. Highs in the 60s.
SUNDAY
Sunny & breezy. WARM! Highs in the mid 70s.
MONDAY
Rainy start, some dry time PM. Highs in the mid 70s.
TUESDAY
Sunny & Warm. Highs in the low 80s.
WEDNESDAY
Building clouds, sct. showers. Highs in the 70s.
THURSDAY
Showers & T-storms. Highs in the 70s.
FRIDAY
Showers, breezy, & cooler. Highs in the 60s.
SATURDAY
Clearing and cooler. Highs in the upper 50s.
SUNDAY
Sunshine, near average. Highs in the upper 50s
MONDAY
Sunny and warmer. Highs in the 60s.

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