Understanding Mountain Wind

Wind at 3,000 feet behaves differently than in the valleys. It funnels through gaps, accelerates over ridges, and can shift direction without warning. The mountain creates its own weather.

For drivers on the Blue Ridge Parkway, strong crosswinds near exposed overlooks can be hazardous. For the fog, wind determines whether it will stay or scatter.

Calm conditions often precede fog formation as moisture settles into the hollows.