The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued a Flood Watch for Watauga, Ashe, and Wilkes counties, which began Saturday morning and extends through Sunday evening. The watch was issued at 1:43 p.m. Friday afternoon, also including Alleghany and Surry counties in North Carolina, and Carroll, Floyd, Grayson, and Patrick counties in southwest Virginia.
Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible across these areas. The weather pattern responsible for this forecast is upslope rainfall, driven by a strong southeasterly low-level jet from the remnants of Isaias. This system is expected to bring increased precipitation along the crest of the southern Blue Ridge, specifically from Floyd County southwestward toward Watauga County.
Widespread rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are possible throughout the watch period. Locally higher totals of 5 to 6 inches are also possible, particularly for specific areas such as Meadows of Dan, Boone, and Blowing Rock.
These higher rainfall totals may lead to several localized hazards. Isolated instances of landslides are possible, especially along slopes that have been modified by human activity, such as embankments or cut slopes. Additionally, these areas may experience increased rises on local streamflows, which could lead to flooding across low-water crossings.
More broadly, excessive runoff from the anticipated rainfall may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks, and low-water crossings are particularly susceptible to becoming flooded. Storm drains and ditches could become clogged with debris, further exacerbating the flooding risk. Extensive street flooding and the flooding of creeks and rivers are possible throughout the duration of the watch.
Residents are advised to monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings, which would indicate that flooding is imminent or occurring. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. More flood safety information is available for those who need to prepare.
In addition to the Flood Watch, a Wind Advisory is also in effect for Watauga and Ashe counties. This advisory began at 5 p.m. Saturday and will continue until 11 a.m. Sunday, affecting the same timeframe as the Flood Watch for these particular counties.
