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High wind warning Saturday, gusts to 60 mph
"Hazardous wind event", possible power outages
updated Saturday @ 12:20 p.m.
The WRF model simulates sustained winds of 25-30 knots at 4 p.m. Saturday, equivalent to 28-35 mph. Source: Penn State E-wall
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a high wind warning for most all of the metro region from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. (The far southeast suburbs in Stafford, Calvert, St. Mary's, and Charles counties are were under a wind advisory, for gusts to 55 mph, but were upgraded to the high wind warning early Saturday afternoon.) A high wind warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected or occurring.
NWS states:
* Winds will blow from the northwest at 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 60 mph.
* The strongest winds should occur between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
It cautions:
* Be prepared for power outages and down trees and large branches.
It recommends that:
* Loose objects on your property are secured or brought inside.
It concludes by warning "sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts of 58 mph or more can lead to property damage."
While I can remember many wind advisories in recent years, I cannot recall the last high wind warning, which is a more extreme classification.
As mentioned in our PM Update, a Fire Weather (or Red Flag) Warning is also in effect due to the potential for explosive fire growth resulting from the strong winds and low humidity.
By
Jason Samenow
| February 18, 2011; 5:34 PM ET
Categories:
Latest, Wind
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Posted by: FIREDRAGON47 | February 18, 2011 6:00 PM | Report abuse
lol @ FireDragon47
Thanks for the post, Jason. Got some things on the balcony that needs to be brought inside.
Note to all pet owners: bring them inside too! :D
Posted by: RedCherokee | February 18, 2011 6:09 PM | Report abuse
Winds already whipping across the Blue Ridge... currently 55.9 after a high temp of 68.7F
Posted by: spgass1 | February 18, 2011 7:58 PM | Report abuse
Near 80 today, back down to 50 tomorrow with a high wind warning. Then back to 70 on Monday, and then 30 with snow by Tuesday...what's next; a hurricane, or maybe a tsunami???
CWG, please make it stop!
Enough with all this crazy weather already - - I just wish we'd fall back into a more stable, SNOWY weather pattern...
And if not, to heck with winter! If we're not going to see anymore snow, I'd be perfectly content with some more warmth.
Posted by: BobMiller2 | February 18, 2011 9:09 PM | Report abuse
I call first dibs on the term "blowmageddon" for tomorrow's windstorm.
:\
Posted by: marklandterrapins | February 18, 2011 9:55 PM | Report abuse
Went skiing today in 70 degree weather. Conditions were great and i skied in a t-shirt. Spring skiing has come to the east coast for the first time.
Posted by: SNOWLUVER | February 18, 2011 9:55 PM | Report abuse
A topic that is not getting enough attention is the fire danger...As a Vol Fire Fighter speaking from past experience (this week) the Fire conditions tomorrow will be serious! I live in Culpeper Co and we had FIVE active and large brush fire's burning on Tuesday of this week. Tomorrow's weather conditions will be worse. I strongly suggest that NOONE does any kind of outside burning tomorrow.
Posted by: clintonportis17 | February 18, 2011 11:59 PM | Report abuse
I agree with BobMiller2...this windiness has got to stop!
We've had enogh of these windy spells. Fortunately I've had no power outages so far.
Posted by: Bombo47jea | February 19, 2011 11:57 AM | Report abuse
The comments to this entry are closed.
Too late. Everything on the neighbor's decks blew away weeks ago.
Get the kite.....