March 2nd 2018 severe wind storm

On March 2nd 2018, a historic severe wind storm impacted the region with widespread damaging to destructive non-thunderstorm winds. A powerful coastal low deepened to 976mb off the east coast resulting in a very tight pressure gradient across the region. Combined with wind speeds of 70-80mph at 850mb (5k feet), the stage was set for a prolonged and high impact wind storm, one that would become one of the worst in recent history.

The national weather service had been messaging the increasing likelihood of a significant wind event for days, giving plenty of time for people to prepare. They issued a high wind warning the day before, and on the morning of, a strongly worded statement mentioning potential for wind gusts over hurricane force. 

The image below was issued the day before, urging residents to prepare for a dangerous wind storm that would result in significant damage across the region. 

Widespread damage occurred, and frankly it was worse than some of the hurricanes we have had around here. Thousands of trees were blown down along with several hundred thousand power outages. At my house, 2 massive pine trees were blown down, shingles were blown off, and numerous large pieces of siding were torn off my house and many of the neighbors as well. I dont think a single house in my neighborhood went without damage. One of my neighbors lost all the siding off the south side of their house. Nearly every weather station in the region recorded winds at or above 60mph, with several near or over 70mph. The long duration of the event was also significant as some areas received gusts over 60mph for 8-12 hours which is practically unheard of in our area.

Photo 1 Credit: NWS Sterling/WPC
Photo 2 credit: NWS Sterling
Photo 3 credit: NWS Sterling