Last Updated on September 21, 2026 6:31 pm
The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued a Flood Advisory for north central Watauga County and central Ashe County until 9 p.m. Monday due to heavy rain from thunderstorms.
As of 6:04 p.m., Doppler radar indicated heavy rain, with 1 to 2 inches having already fallen in the advisory area. 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 the North Fork New River, Naked Creek, Little Phoenix Creek, Mill Creek, Dog Creek, Beaver Creek, Call Creek, Grassy Creek, Piney Creek, Peak Creek and Meat Camp Creek. Locations that could experience flooding include Jefferson, West Jefferson, Lansing, Todd, Baldwin, Mount Jefferson and Clifton.
The National Weather Service urges drivers to turn around, don't drown, when encountering flooded roads, noting most flood deaths occur in vehicles. 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.
