High, potentially damaging winds will continue whipping through the Tri-State today as clouds and moisture were expected to reach Lawrence County this afternoon.

Tuesday, January 11, 2000

High, potentially damaging winds will continue whipping through the Tri-State today as clouds and moisture were expected to reach Lawrence County this afternoon.

National Weather Service meteorologists at the Charleston bureau predict wind gusts of up to 40 mph will blow through the county before the day’s end.

But, even winds this strong are a relief from the gusts that damaged power lines and left Ironton in the dark Monday.

"In Huntington, W.Va., at 7:40 a.m. this morning, there was a peak wind gust of 52 mph," said meteorologist Nicole Belk. "We are still going to have those gusty winds through this afternoon."

As a cold front pushed through Lawrence County Monday afternoon, and high winds that constantly circle just above the Earth’s surface were channeled downward, causing swirling, forceful gusts, Ms. Belk said.

"It is unusual for our area to have winds this strong at any time, but it is especially unusual for us to have them at night like we did (Monday) night and early this morning," she said. "What happened was that a second cold front pushed through the area following the one that came through (Monday) afternoon. It was accompanied by an upper level disturbance and the winds were channeled down."

Today’s winds, although much stronger than the county is accustomed to, will provide some relief, she added.

"They won’t be quite as strong, but it will still be quite windy for around here," Ms. Belk said. "For the remainder of the day we’re expecting variably cloudy conditions."

With the sun making a break through the clouds, the winds will be tamed a bit, she said.

"It will be a west wind from 20 to 30 mph gusting to around 40 mph," she said. "We do have a few more clouds coming through from the northwest that will arrive during the afternoon hours, but, because the sun will be out, that will help with the winds."

Although 40 mph wind gusts are still unusually strong for Lawrence County, every little bit counts, Ms. Belk added.

"It is still much stronger wind than what we are used to experiencing in our area, but it will be somewhat of an improvement over yesterday," she said. "It’s not much of an improvement, but right now, we’re looking for it to gradually ease."