Last Updated on October 10, 2026 5:59 am
Watauga, Ashe and Avery counties are all under a Flood Watch and a Wind Advisory today as the remnants of Hurricane Isaias move into the High Country, with the heaviest rain expected this afternoon through early Sunday morning.
In Watauga and Ashe counties, the Flood Watch takes effect at 11 AM Saturday and runs through Sunday evening. The Wind Advisory runs from 5 PM Saturday to 11 AM Sunday, with east winds of 15 to 25 mph and gusts up to 55 mph.
In Avery County, the Flood Watch took effect at 8 AM and runs through Sunday afternoon. The Wind Advisory there runs until 8 AM Sunday, with gusts up to 46 mph.
Where Isaias Is
As of the National Hurricane Center’s 4 AM CDT advisory (Advisory 15), Isaias is a post-tropical cyclone near the Alabama-Mississippi border with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph, moving north at 14 mph. The forecast track takes it across Tennessee by 1 AM Sunday and toward the Kentucky and West Virginia area by 1 PM Sunday.
Rain Totals
The National Weather Service in Blacksburg says rain will start across northwest North Carolina by mid-morning and spread north and east by afternoon and early evening. Much of the area is likely to see 1 to 2 inches, with higher totals along and east of the Blue Ridge because of upslope flow and lower totals to the west.
The strongest upslope enhancement is expected along the crest of the southern Blue Ridge from Floyd County, Virginia, southwest to Watauga County. Widespread totals of 2 to 4 inches are possible, with locally higher amounts of 5 to 6 inches, especially around Meadows of Dan, Boone and Blowing Rock. Forecasters say rainfall amounts have increased slightly across the southern Blue Ridge in the latest forecast.
The Weather Prediction Center has a Slight Risk (at least 15%) of flash flooding across much of western North Carolina today, with a Moderate Risk (at least 40%) centered on north Georgia and southeast Tennessee.
Flooding Impacts
Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks, low-water crossings may flood, and storm drains and ditches may clog with debris. At the highest totals, the Weather Service warns of isolated landslides on slopes modified by people, such as embankments and cut slopes.
For Avery County, the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg says heavy rain is most likely from this afternoon through early Sunday morning, particularly in the sharp terrain from near Saluda to Grandfather Mountain. Anyone living on a mountainside or in a cove at the base of a mountain, especially near a stream, should be ready to leave quickly and should consider postponing travel on mountain roads during the heaviest rain.
Wind
A strong low-level jet is expected to produce a downslope wind event across northwest North Carolina, southwest Virginia and southeast West Virginia. Forecasters say a few gusts above 3,500 feet could get close to high wind warning criteria, but those should be intermittent and isolated.
Tree limbs could come down and a few power outages are possible, especially at higher elevations. Residents should secure outdoor objects and use extra caution when driving high-profile vehicles. Winds should diminish late Sunday morning and into the afternoon as the jet lifts northeast.
Sunday Severe Threat and Outlook
The Weather Service says the chance for severe storms on Sunday is increasing, with a threat of damaging winds and a brief tornado. Hi-res guidance shows a brief period of destabilization along a triple point across central Virginia and north central North Carolina, though forecasters say continued clouds and rain could limit daytime heating.
By Monday, the remnants of Isaias will be well east of the region, with only lingering upslope showers on the western slopes through late Monday morning. It looks dry through most of next week, with the next chance of rain possibly coming near the end of next week.
Sources: National Hurricane Center, NWS Blacksburg, NWS Greenville-Spartanburg, Weather Prediction Center.
Forecast courtesy of the National Weather Service.
