High Wind in Eastern Mcdowell, North Carolina

Strong northwest winds developed across the mountains and portions of the foothills behind a cold front late on the 29th, with the strongest winds affecting locations along and near the eastern escarpment of the Blue Ridge. The winds gusted to over 60 mph at times (a peak gust of 62 mph was measured by the ASOS at the Asheville Regional Airport at around 730 AM). Gusts in excess of 80 mph likely occurred across the higher elevations. Numerous trees were blown down in these areas. Sporadic minor damage was reported to roofs across the area and a downed power lines resulted in scattered power outages, especially across the mid/upper French Broad Valley and surrounding locations. A few trees fell on homes as well. The strong winds continued through much of the 30th before tapering off by mid-evening.