High Wind in Floyd, Virginia

Numerous large branches were blown down in the town of Floyd, with some reaching four inches in diameter.

A 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 southwest VA 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, especially in southern VA. Shortly after the system passed, high winds compounded issues created by freshly accumulated snow and ice.