Last Updated on September 22, 2026 7:07 pm
The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued a new Flood Advisory for northwestern Ashe County and north central Watauga County until 10 p.m. Tuesday due to heavy rain from thunderstorms.
As of 7:01 p.m., Doppler radar indicated heavy rain, with 1 to 2 inches having already fallen in the advisory area and another 1 to 2 inches expected. Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas is ongoing or expected to begin shortly, along with water over roadways and overflowing poor drainage areas.
Streams and drainages that could see rises include Big Laurel Creek, Call Creek, North Fork New River, Meat Camp Creek, Mill Creek, Naked Creek, Little Phoenix Creek and Hoskin Fork. Locations that could experience flooding include Jefferson, West Jefferson, Lansing, Ashland, Clifton, Trout and Shatley Springs.
The National Weather Service urges drivers to turn around, don't drown, when encountering flooded roads, noting most flood deaths occur in vehicles, and to be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flooding dangers. In hilly terrain, hundreds of low water crossings can become dangerous in heavy rain — drivers should not attempt to cross flooded roads and should find an alternate route.
WataugaOnline.com will update this story if the advisory is extended or upgraded.
Forecast courtesy of the National Weather Service.
