Planes, trees, automobiles feel Saturday's bluster

The wind was blowing so hard at Raleigh-Durham International Airport on Saturday that an inbound flight was unable to land.

Posted 4:37 p.m. Apr 9, 2016 — Updated 6:04 p.m. Jul 13, 2018

MORRISVILLE, N.C. — The wind was blowing so hard at Raleigh-Durham International Airport on Saturday that an inbound flight was unable to land. An airport spokesman said American Airlines Flight 1160, scheduled to arrive at RDU from Dallas-Fort Worth at 10:47 a.m., landed instead at Washington Dulles just before 1 p.m.

A cold front sank into the Triangle early Saturday bringing the bluster, WRAL meteorologist Mike Moss said.

"The winds will really howl midday into the afternoon. It's possible we will have winds gust to 30 or 40 mph at times," he said.

High winds brought down some trees in southeast Raleigh, near Roberts Park. About 700 customers of Duke Energy Progress were without power after falling limbs damaged power equipment, the utility said.

In Knightdale, police said "intense wind" blew trees over onto two vehicles in a shopping center at 6700 Knightdale Boulevard, smashing windows and crushing a minivan's roof. Police said no one was injured.

The WRAL Airport Cam overlooks the new Terminal 2 at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Saturday was mostly sunny but unseasonable cold, with the high temperature only expected to reach about 50 degrees, Moss said.

The windy and dry conditions were enough to prompt the National Weather Service to warn of the high danger for rapidly spreading outdoor fires and caution against outdoor burning.

Citing "extreme weather conditions at LewisGale Field," the Carolina Mudcats postponed Saturday's scheduled game against the Salem Red Sox. The teams will play a doubleheader on Sunday.

Marathoners face chilly start on Sunday

A freeze is likely early Sunday as runners rise for the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half-Marathon in downtown Raleigh, he added.

The races start at 7 a.m., but organizers have advised participants to plan to arrive at the starting gates by 5:30 a.m.

Those who are accustomed to running long distances may appreciate the chill, which holds down the body temperature and mitigates the chance they'll overheat.

"I hope the runners realize it's going to be perfect running weather, especially for those marathoners who are out there a little bit longer," said Katie Holmes, event manager for Rock 'n' Roll Raleigh.

Dr. Allen Mask warned that "weekend warriors" less used to the cold and the distance should take precautions.

“Very cold air can irritate the airways and cause them to constrict which can lead to labored breathing, shortness of breath, a tight chest, coughing and a runny nose,” Mask said. “It helps to wear a scarf around your face.”

Dressing in layers is key. Mask recommended socks and other clothing that "wicks" moisture away from the skin to avoid bringing down core body temperature and an extra pair of dry socks and a shirt to put on after the race.

The overnight lows will be in the 20s, a danger to pets and plants as well. "Make sure you protect any tender plants so they will not be killed by the freeze," Moss said.

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