High Wind Forecast

High Wind Warnings have been posted for portions of the NEWS7 viewing area. A strong and fast moving cold front, will move through the area tonight, kicking up winds in its wake. Isolated thunderstorms are also possible along the boundary. The recent string of warm days will come to an end by tomorrow.

Some gusts tonight could top 50mph. NOW is a good time to tie down anything that you have outdoors like trashcans and lawn chairs. Bring them inside if you can. NOW is the time to prepare and protect your property.

It was only a year ago another strong cold front barreled through the area bringing damaging winds. On February 10, 2008 the cold front caused winds in excess of 60mph all over the NEWS7 viewing area. Here were some of the gust reports:

Hot Springs: 74mph; Fairfield: 75mph; Christiansburg: 70mph; Roanoke (WDBJ studios): 67mph. For a complete list, visit this NWS site: http://www.erh.noaa.gov/rnk/events/2008/Feb10-11Winds_Wildfires/KRNKPNSRNK_20080211_1619.txt

This high wind event also helped fuel many wildfires across the region. Over 8,200 acres burned in the NEWS7 coverage area. There were about 200 wildfires throughout Virginia.

Every year, the National Weather Service in Blacksburg releases a "Top 5" list of weather events for our area. In 2008, that High Wind event was listed as number one!

So learn from recent history. Prepare for tonight's gusty winds. We'll stay windy into Thursday as well!