Strong Winds Continue

Strong west-northwest winds continue across central Virginia, with the 3 PM observation at RIC reporting a sustained wind speed of 25 mph, gusting to 37 mph. We continue to receive widespread damage reports, with the highest concentration across western Virginia. Here are a few of the measured wind speeds since midnight:

Sherando (Augusta County): 65 mph
Staunton (Augusta County): 53 mph
Bridgewater (Rockingham County): 51 mph

RIC reported a wind gust of 51 mph shortly after midnight

I expect wind speeds to decrease this evening. Here's a quick forecast for sustained winds:

3 P.M.-5 P.M. 20-30 mph
5 P.M.-7 P.M. 10-20 mph
7 P.M.-9 P.M. 10-15 mph
9 P.M.-11 P.M. 8-13 mph

Power Outage Map

I want to also post a map which displays power outages across the area (provided by Dominion).

Strong Winds Continue

Winds continue to howl from the west - the highest gust in the last hour was 41 mph reported in Hanover. Winds will hit their peak strength of 25 to 35 mph (50 mph gusts) between 1 and 4 PM and then gradually subside to 15 to 25 mph between 5 and 11 PM. Winds will then drop to 5 to 15 mph later tonight.

Red Flag Warning still remains in effect until 9 PM because of the high fire danger created by the winds.

Red Flag Warning Today

Strong winds and very dry conditions equate to a high fire danger across the area today - a Red Flag Warning is in effect until 9 PM this evening. If a brush fire develops, it could quickly spread and become very dangerous. It's a situation we will be watching very closely through the day and will have updates later.