Winds of Change in Asheville: March 2025 Brings Unprecedented Storm Chaos

Storm clouds and high winds above Asheville, NC

News Summary

Asheville, North Carolina, faced unprecedented storm chaos in March 2025, marked by powerful winds and torrential rains. The weekend of March 15-16 saw peak gusts of nearly 84 mph, leaving thousands without power and creating dangerous conditions. Extensive damage was reported, and residents prepared for future storms as Duke Energy crews worked tirelessly to restore power. Safety warnings for tornadoes were in effect, reminding locals of the unpredictable nature of weather in the region.

Winds of Change in Asheville: March 2025 Brings Unprecedented Storm Chaos

This month, Asheville, North Carolina, has been rocked by a series of mighty winds and torrential rain, marking March 2025 as one of the windiest periods the region has ever experienced. By mid-March, locals felt as though they had already weathered as many windy days as they’d usually expect in an entire month. The results have led to widespread power outages that left thousands in the dark, as crews from Duke Energy scrambled to restore power to affected neighborhoods.

A Stormy Weekend: What Happened?

The chaos reached its peak during the weekend of March 15-16, when a powerful storm system swept across central and eastern North Carolina. This system brought with it the risks of serious weather events, including tornadoes—a real concern for residents, given the area’s history with these fierce storms. With reports indicating that 99 out of 100 counties in North Carolina were grappling with drought conditions, it seemed like nature decided to give residents an unyielding dose of wet and wild weather.

Wind Warnings in Effect

As residents prepared for the worst, a wind advisory was issued for central North Carolina on March 16, with warnings of sustained winds ranging from 15 to 25 mph and gusts that could reach up to a staggering 45 mph. Those in Asheville pay particular attention, particularly truck and bus drivers, as the stormy winds created dangerous driving conditions. With the winds forecasted to decrease briefly on March 18, all eyes remained on the weather report promising a return of even stronger gusts by midweek.

Power Outages and Damage Reports

Power outages surged, impacting approximately 43,000 customers at one point. Areas such as Buncombe County, Henderson County, and Haywood County reported widespread outages. In one case, a local tire shop, Eldridge Tire, suffered substantial destruction as the relentless storm tore the overhang off its concrete base. It was a stark reminder of the tempest’s power as debris flew across streets, with downed trees reported in various counties, particularly in McDowell and Northern Cherokee County.

Gusts and Rainfall: Nature’s Fury

As the winds picked up force throughout the weekend, maximum gusts were recorded at nearly 84 mph atop Grandfather Mountain, while downtown Asheville experienced gusts up to 65 mph and the Asheville Airport had winds clocked at 59 mph. Heavy rainfall also provided its own fury, with Robbinsville receiving an impressive 1.78 inches and Highlands logging 1.67 inches during the storms.

Tornado Preparedness and Vigilance

While tornado occurrences average around 31 annually in North Carolina, the frequency of their emergence from March to May keeps residents on high alert. The storms of mid-March were no exception as weather experts continuously urged vigilance, particularly considering the fatalities from past tornadoes in Raleigh. Trees weren’t the only things falling—the heavy rains and winds served as a reminder of the changes in climate, with towns bracing for whatever else nature might deliver this month.

Looking Ahead: Hope Amidst the Winds

Although things appeared bleak with widespread disruptions and damage, residents could take comfort in the steadfast work of Duke Energy crews tirelessly laboring to restore power across the affected areas. As winds were expected to pick up again midweek, everyone in Asheville and surrounding areas should stay informed and vigilant. With a little patience and cooperation, it is hoped that the powerful winds will soon subside, and normalcy will return to this vibrant region.