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The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory in effect for a region that includes Franklin, Southampton County and Isle of Wight County for a 16-hour stretch of Saturday, April 1.

The advisory notes that on Saturday from 8 a.m.-midnight, southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 40 to 45 mph are expected. Winds may briefly gust to as high as 50 mph Saturday afternoon and into the evening.

These gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects, tree limbs could be blown down, and a few power outages may result.

“Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle,” officials stated. “Secure outdoor objects.”

This advisory is relevant to portions of northeast North Carolina and eastern and southeast Virginia.

POSSIBILITY OF RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS

There is a 70% chance the wind will be accompanied by precipitation, according to an NWS forecast for Franklin. 

On Saturday, there will be a chance of showers before 11 a.m., then showers will be likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. There is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5 p.m. 

The forecast added that the new rainfall amounts expected are between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts are possible in thunderstorms.