Full Notification

Very windy conditions will persist at elevations above 3500 feet through the afternoon hours and into the early evening hours ahead of an approaching cold front. Heavier showers developing later today could enhance the wind gusts in a few locations, including even in the lowest valleys. While winds may briefly subside later this evening, a strong cold front will move across the region after midnight. Winds in the wake of the front will turn from the northwest and become very strong and gusty, even in the valleys. Damaging winds will be possible during the day Sunday, especially along and near the Blue Ridge escarpment. The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a High Wind Warning, which is in effect from 6 AM to 7 PM EST Sunday.

* LOCATIONS...The North Carolina Blue Ridge, from Henderson County north to Avery County.

* HAZARDS...Strong to damaging winds.

* TIMING...Winds will turn from the northwest around daybreak and continue through Sunday. The strongest winds are expected from shortly after sunrise Sunday into the afternoon hours.

* WINDS...Northwest 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. Winds may gust to 70 mph or more on the higher peaks and ridge tops.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Numerous power outages can be expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

* AFFECTED AREAS: MCDOWELL MOUNTAINS ... RUTHERFORD MOUNTAINS ... CALDWELL MOUNTAINS ... HENDERSON ... MITCHELL ... YANCEY ... BUNCOMBE ... BURKE MOUNTAINS ... AVERY

Instructions:

A High Wind Warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts of 58 mph or more can lead to property damage. Please report damaging winds by calling the National Weather Service toll free at...1...800...2 6 7...8 1 0 1. Leave a message with your observation and the specific location where it occurred. You can also post your report to National Weather Service Greenville Spartanburg Facebook or tweet your report using hashtag nwsgsp.