Flood Prone Areas of Watauga County
Watauga County Flood-Prone Areas
An Interactive Guide to Local Flooding Hazards
📊 Historical Context
2018 became the all-time wettest year on record for Boone and Watauga County. During that historic summer, there was a surge of questions about which locations in Boone and countywide flood quickly. Following the remnants of Hurricane Florence moving through the area, the need for this comprehensive flooding resource became even more apparent.
⚠️ IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This page is published as an advisory tool only. The information provided SHOULD NOT be used as the primary resource for making official flood zone determinations for insurance, lending, or other related purposes. This list does not necessarily identify all areas subject to flooding but will be updated to reflect locations as needed.
Data Sources: The flood information contained on this page is based on previous reporting by WataugaOnline.com, its related social media outlets, and information from local law enforcement and EMS officials.
Filter Locations
🏙️ Boone Flood-Prone Areas
The following locations in Boone are known to flood quickly during heavy rain and storm events:
🗺️ Watauga County Flood-Prone Areas
Additional flood-prone locations throughout Watauga County:
🌉 Low Water Bridges
CAUTION: These bridges are particularly dangerous during flooding conditions. Never attempt to cross a flooded low water bridge.
💡 Flood Safety Tips
🚗 Turn Around, Don't Drown
Never drive through flooded roads. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 12 inches can carry away most vehicles.
📱 Stay Informed
Monitor local weather alerts and road condition updates through official sources and local news outlets.
🏠 Know Your Risk
Understand if your home or business is in a flood-prone area and have an evacuation plan ready.
⚡ Avoid Utilities
Stay away from downed power lines and electrical equipment. Report hazards to authorities immediately.
🌉 Bridge Safety
Low water bridges are extremely dangerous when flooded. Water can be deeper and faster-moving than it appears.
📋 Emergency Kit
Keep emergency supplies including water, food, flashlight, battery-powered radio, and first aid kit ready.
🚨 Emergency Contacts
Emergency Services
911
Watauga County Emergency Management
(828) 264-1590
Non-Emergency Sheriff
(828) 264-3761
Road Conditions
511 or 511nc.gov
📚 Historical Note: 2018 Wettest Year
The calendar year 2018 became the all-time wettest year on record for Boone and Watauga County, leading to widespread flooding concerns and the creation of this comprehensive resource. This historic precipitation prompted extensive documentation of flood-prone areas throughout the region to better serve residents and visitors.
*Originally published September 26, 2018 – Updated Thursday, February 6, 2020*
As the calendar year 2018 became the all-time wettest year on record for Boone and Watauga County, there was a surge of questions coming in during the summer asking which locations in Boone and countywide flood quickly.
Since this site, and the related social media outlets, report extensively on local weather and travel conditions, this reference page had been on my mind to do for the last several years. I finally put the plan in action after the remnants of Hurricane Florence moved through the area leading to even more questions coming in.
Much like researching and compiling the information for the High Country Earthquake History page, the High Country Tornado Data page and the Boone Wind Gust History page I realized there was not an easily found online local resource to provide flooding information. Make note in the disclaimer below, this page is published as an advisory tool only.
Below is a list of easily flood-prone areas during heavy rain and storm events. This page is provided as an advisory tool for flood hazard awareness. The information SHOULD NOT be used as the primary resource for making official flood zone determinations for insurance, lending, or other related purposes. The list does not necessarily identify all areas subject to flooding but will be updated to reflect locations as needed.
The flood information locations contained on this page is based on previous reporting by WataugaOnline.com, it's related social media outlets, information from local law enforcement and EMS officials.
Boone
Boone airport area
Moose Lodge/Deerfield area
Convocation Center to Boone Mall to Walmart areas – along but not limited to highway 321
Zeb Street area to Bavarian Village
Ingles to Super 8 along highway 105
Casey Lane bridge
Brookshire Road
New River Hills
the intersection of Hwy 421 and Hwy 194 near New Market Center/Perkinsville intersection at Jefferson Road
Watauga County
Watauga River Road
Valle Crucis School area
Shull's Mill near old Turnpike/Hound Ears area
Roby Greene Road
Dell Coffey Rd near Roby Greene Rd
River Road
Herb Thomas Road at the Watauga River
old Cove Creek School/Sugar Grove
along old highway 421 in Zionville
Low water bridges in the county:
Dewitt Barnett Road bridge
Guy Ford Road bridge
Hubert Thomas Road bridge