The remnants of Hurricane Isaias brought heavy rainfall and powerful winds to the High Country over the weekend, with some areas recording more than 8 inches of rain and wind gusts reaching 60 mph in Watauga County. The National Weather Service in Blacksburg confirmed these observations, gathered from weather stations across the region.
Weather stations documented between 5 and more than 8 inches of rain from the storm's passage. A Public Information Statement issued by the National Weather Service in Blacksburg on Sunday, at 11:18 a.m., provided a list of 24-hour rainfall observations. These reports concluded at various times on Sunday morning, generally between approximately 6 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Specific measurements included 7.02 inches reported in Parsonville, located in Wilkes County. Additionally, a station at Bottomley Evergreens Farm in Alleghany County registered 6.01 inches of rainfall. The reported totals originate from a combination of sources, including airport weather stations, contributions from trained volunteer observers, and data from personal weather stations. This varied collection method can lead to differences in readings from one location to another.
Beyond the significant precipitation, strong wind gusts were also a notable feature of the storm across the High Country on Saturday. Gusts of 25 mph or more were reported throughout the region. In Watauga County, two stations recorded peak wind speeds of 60 mph. These high gusts were observed at Taterhill at 3:00 p.m. Saturday and at Banner Elk at 2:15 p.m. Saturday. Other wind reports for Watauga County included a 35 mph gust at Mountain Master Peace and a 33 mph gust near Blowing Rock, specifically at Green Hill. Ashe County also experienced strong winds, with the highest reported gusts reaching 34 mph at both Glendale Springs and Mt. Jefferson. Baldwin recorded a 33 mph gust, and the Ashe County Airport reported winds peaking at 31 mph.
The substantial rainfall directly contributed to flooding in various parts of the High Country on Sunday. One immediate consequence was the closure of N.C. Highway 194 at Broadstone Road in Valle Crucis, which was impassable due to flooding on Sunday morning. In response to the weather conditions, the Weather Service had issued a Flood Watch that remained in effect for Watauga, Ashe, and surrounding counties throughout Sunday evening.
The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg released a map illustrating the 24-hour rainfall totals from Isaias, covering the period between 8 a.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday. The agency indicated that this graphic effectively captured "the bulk of the rain" from the event. Residents can expect an official storm-total graphic, encompassing the entire duration of the weather event, to be made available on Monday. Local authorities and weather officials continue to advise residents to exercise caution. Specifically, the public is urged not to drive on flooded roads, as hidden dangers can be present. Furthermore, "extra caution" is recommended when traveling on mountain roads, where there is a heightened possibility of encountering debris or potential landslides following such heavy rainfall and strong winds.
