Forecast: Amid snow, rain, wind could be biggest concern

Peak wind gusts recorded Friday included 71 mph at Washington Dulles International Airport, 64 mph at the Naval Academy in Annapolis and 61 mph at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

A high wind warning has been issued for central North Carolina including the Triad until 10 p.m. on Friday.

“Winds at these speeds can cause flying debris, turn unsecured objects into projectiles, & cause power outages“, the weather service warned.

Travel will also be hard, especially for trucks, vans and other high-profile vehicles.

Today, the sun will rise at 7:01:39 a.m. and set at 6:23:08 p.m.

Dr. Ray Russell of Ray’s Weather said “the big news in this forecast is one of the bigger wind events I’ve seen in the High Country in the past 20 years”.

A deepening coastal low late Thursday night into Friday will bring heavy rain across the area, with the potential for 2 to 3 inches of rainfall. In the Upstate, wind gusts over 30 miles per hour will be frequent.

This evening through Friday morning.

For the most updated traffic report, visit WTOP’s traffic center. Damage to trees, power lines, and property are possible with winds of this magnitude. Behind that front, unseasonably cool weather (for early March) will continue with a chance of rain/snow in the mountains.

Find road conditions at 511Virginia.org.

“The storm will drift away, but it’s not going to move all that much”, Hoffmann said.

A rapidly developing nor’easter will buffet Virginia with powerful wind gusts on Friday.

Check on relatives, neighbors, and friends if possible, especially those who might be seriously affected by a power outage. Make sure you watch for downed trees and branches on your morning drive, too.