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NWS Issues High Wind Advisory

The National Weather Service at Wakefield, Va., has issued a wind advisory through this evening for northeastern North Carolina, including the Albemarle region.

Wind gust of 45 to 55 mph are possible late this afternoon and evening, with sustained northwestersly winds of 25 to 30 mph throughout the day.

In addition, the Weather Service has issued a special weather statement warning of increased fire danger conditions today because of high winds and dropping humidity levels.

Relative humidity values will fall to between 20 and 30 percent this afternoon, leading to a rapid drying of fine fuel moisture levels across the region, according to the Weather Service.

The Weather Services warns that high winds today will be capable of knocking down tree limbs and wires, as well as damaging loose holiday decorations and other unsecured outdoor items.

Motorists are also advised that driving will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles and over bridges and overpasses.

A wind advisory means that sustained wind speeds of between 30 to 39 mph and gusts from 46 to 67 mph are expected.

The cause of the high winds is a rapidly developing low pressure system that is intensifying off the New Jersey coast, according to the Weather Service.

The advisory also includes southeastern Virginia.

Locally, included in the advisory are the cities and towns of Ahoskie, Elizabeth City, Edenton, Corolla, and the counties of Hertford, Gates, Pasquotank, Camden, Currituck, Bertie, Chowan and Perquimans.

The forecast calls for sunny skies with a high near 54, with dropping temperatures and blustery conditions tonight, and an overnight low of 24. Winds will continue at 16 to 21 mph with gusts as high as 39 mph overnight, according to the Weather Service.

New Year’s Day will be sunny with a high near 39, and calmer northerly winds from between 5 and 15 mph, according to the Weather Service.

Thursday night will be partly cloudy, with a low near 26 and calm wind becoming south around 6 mph.

Then Friday will be mostly cloudy and warmer, with a high near 52 and a chance of showers after 11 a.m.

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