North Carolina high wind warnings
There are no high wind warnings in North Carolina right now. The last one was issued on October 10, 2026.
Damaging winds are expected, commonly sustained near 40 mph or gusts of 58 mph or higher.
Updated from the National Weather Service · lists refresh hourly; the live map loads current alerts directly from the NWS
Active high wind warnings in North Carolina
None right now. Other active alerts in North Carolina: 6 (see the North Carolina alerts page).
High Wind Warnings in North Carolina by year
North Carolina averaged 11.6 high wind warnings per year from 2016 to 2025, and has had 6 so far in 2026. The most recent was issued on October 10, 2026.
Counties with the most high wind warnings
| County | 2016–2025 |
|---|---|
| Watauga County | 41 |
| Ashe County | 40 |
| Alleghany County | 36 |
| Avery County | 27 |
| Yancey County | 26 |
| Mitchell County | 25 |
| Caldwell County | 17 |
| Burke County | 17 |
| McDowell County | 17 |
| Currituck County | 12 |
What a high wind warning means
High wind warnings are issued for strong winds that are not caused by thunderstorms, such as intense low-pressure systems, mountain wave winds and downslope winds. Common criteria are sustained winds of 40 mph or more for at least an hour or gusts of 58 mph or more. Winds this strong can down trees and power lines and overturn high-profile vehicles.
More about high wind warnings and the national map →
What to do
- Secure or bring in outdoor objects.
- Avoid travel in high-profile vehicles and trailers.
- Stay away from trees and downed power lines.
More North Carolina alerts
- Tornado Warnings
- Tornado Watches
- Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- Flash Flood Warnings
- Flood Warnings
- Flood Watches
- Winter Storm Warnings
- Winter Storm Watches
- Winter Weather Advisories
- Cold Weather Advisories
- Freeze Warnings
- Frost Advisories
- Heat Advisories
- Extreme Heat Warnings
- Wind Advisories
- Red Flag Warnings
- Dense Fog Advisories
- Tropical Storm Warnings
- All North Carolina alerts