High Wind — Alleghany, North Carolina

2022-01-17 · Alleghany, North Carolina

Event narrative

Two to three trees were blown down by high winds near the intersection of Glade Valley Road and Higgins Road near Barrett. Also, a large pine tree was blown down near the intersection of Scenic Valley Road and Old Mill Road near Glade Valley.

Wider weather episode

Persistent northeasterly flow prior to the event ensured that there was substantial cold air throughout the atmosphere. A low pressure system tracked through the southern United States and moved north over northwest NC overnight on January 16th through the 17th, spreading snowfall from south to north. As this system was making its way north, the northeasterly flow was displaced, and a layer of warm air was allowed to filter in over the low levels, turning snow over to sleet and freezing rain. Shortly after the system passed, high winds compounded issues created by freshly accumulated snow and ice.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1002981. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.