Watauga, Ashe, and Avery counties are all under a Flood Watch and a Wind Advisory today, Saturday, October 10, 2026, as the remnants of Hurricane Isaias track into the High Country. Residents can expect the heaviest rain this afternoon through early Sunday morning.
For Watauga and Ashe counties, the Flood Watch began at 11 AM Saturday and will continue through Sunday evening. A Wind Advisory for these counties is also in effect from 5 PM Saturday to 11 AM Sunday, forecasting east winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts potentially reaching up to 55 mph.
In Avery County, the Flood Watch started earlier, at 8 AM Saturday, and is scheduled to last through Sunday afternoon. The Wind Advisory for Avery County is in effect until 8 AM Sunday, with gusts anticipated to reach up to 46 mph.
As of the National Hurricane Center’s 4 AM CDT advisory, Isaias is categorized as a post-tropical cyclone, positioned near the Alabama-Mississippi border. It is moving north at 14 mph with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. The forecast projects its path across Tennessee by 1 AM Sunday, then advancing toward the Kentucky and West Virginia area by 1 PM Sunday.
The National Weather Service in Blacksburg indicates that rain will commence across northwest North Carolina by mid-morning, spreading north and east as the afternoon and early evening progress. Much of the area is likely to receive 1 to 2 inches of rain, with higher totals expected along and east of the Blue Ridge due to upslope flow. Areas to the west are projected to see lower rainfall amounts.
Forecasters anticipate the strongest upslope enhancement along the crest of the southern Blue Ridge, stretching southwest from Floyd County, Virginia, to Watauga County. Widespread rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are possible in these areas, with locally higher amounts of 5 to 6 inches, particularly around Meadows of Dan, Boone, and Blowing Rock. The National Weather Service notes a slight increase in rainfall amounts across the southern Blue Ridge in the latest forecast.
The Weather Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk, indicating at least a 15% chance, of flash flooding across much of western North Carolina today. A Moderate Risk, with at least a 40% chance, is centered on north Georgia and southeast Tennessee.
Residents should be aware that creeks and streams may rise out of their banks, low-water crossings could flood, and storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. With the highest rainfall totals, the Weather Service warns of isolated landslides on slopes modified by human activity, such as embankments and cut slopes.
For Avery County, the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg reports that heavy rain is most probable from this afternoon through early Sunday morning, especially in the sharp terrain from near Saluda to Grandfather Mountain. Individuals residing on mountainsides or in coves at the base of a mountain, particularly near a stream, should be prepared for rapid evacuation and consider postponing travel on mountain roads during the peak rainfall period.
A strong low-level jet is expected to generate a downslope wind event across northwest North Carolina, southwest Virginia, and southeast West Virginia. Forecasters suggest that a few gusts above 3,500 feet could approach high wind warning criteria, though these are expected to be intermittent and isolated. The strong winds could lead to fallen tree limbs and a few power outages, especially at higher elevations. Residents are advised to secure outdoor objects and exercise extra caution when driving high-profile vehicles. Winds are expected to diminish late Sunday morning and into the afternoon as the jet shifts northeast.
The Weather Service also indicates an increasing chance for severe storms on Sunday, bringing a threat of damaging winds and a brief tornado. High-resolution guidance shows a brief period of destabilization along a triple point across central Virginia and north central North Carolina, though forecasters note that continued clouds and rain could limit daytime heating.
By Monday, the remnants of Isaias are expected to be well east of the region, leaving only lingering upslope showers on the western slopes through late Monday morning. The forecast looks dry for most of next week, with the next chance of rain possibly arriving near the end of the week.
