Last Updated on July 28, 2026 1:30 pm
The National Weather Service has issued Severe Thunderstorm Watch 526 for Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany, and Wilkes counties through 8:00 PM EDT Tuesday.
Conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop across the High Country through the afternoon and evening hours. The watch covers a large area stretching from East Tennessee and southwest Virginia through northwest and north-central North Carolina.
Forecasters have been tracking this system for several days. A cold front pushing through the region from north to south, timed near peak afternoon heating, combined with deep-layer wind shear peaking at 40 to 50 knots, has created the potential for organized severe thunderstorm activity. The primary threats are damaging wind gusts and large hail. Heavy rain capable of producing flash flooding is also possible — a heightened concern given that the ground across the High Country remains saturated from last week's major flooding event.
A Flash Flood Warning was issued earlier Tuesday for Alleghany County and northeastern Ashe County, where rainfall rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour were recorded. That warning remains in effect until 6:30 PM.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was also issued at 12:22 PM for Alleghany County, northeastern Wilkes County, and northeastern Ashe County, with a severe thunderstorm located near Independence, Virginia, producing wind gusts up to 60 mph and moving southeast at 25 mph. Forecasters noted that a tornado was possible with that storm.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop. Residents should stay weather-aware, keep a way to receive wireless emergency alerts accessible, and be prepared to take shelter immediately if a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning is issued for their location.
If severe weather threatens, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and stay away from windows. If a tornado is spotted, go immediately to a basement or small central interior room.
WataugaOnline.com will continue to monitor conditions and post updates throughout the afternoon and evening.
