This is a cross section of the winds that are mixing down to the surface, Notice how low the core of 65kt winds are this evening.

Charlotte

Boone

Here the same cross-section for Boon notice how much closer to the surface the core of 65kt winds are. Plus remember if you live at higher elevation the ridge tops will be right in the heart of these winds.

This event from 2004 will most likely be very similar to what we see today

Read more about it here March 7th 2004