Roads closed as flash flooding impacts the Carolinas

BOONE, N.C. — Days of heavy rain have produced flash flooding in the Carolinas – especially across western North Carolina. As a result, flood warnings have been issued in communities such as Ashe, Burke, Caldwell, and Watauga counties.

In one of the heavier rain events experienced since Helene, the WCNC Weather Impact Team says the flooding threat is real but will not be as devastating as those impacts experienced during the tropical weather.

Starting late Sunday night and continuing though Wednesdays, periods of rain have left the region soaked, with rainfall amounts as high as five inches in Boone by Tuesday morning.

RELATED: Here’s how much rain has already fallen – and more is on the way

While most of the heavy rain has subsided, a few more brief periods of heavy rain are possible on Tuesday and Wednesday.

As a result of all the rain, the following floods have occurred:

• In Seven Devils, a flood was reported with Aldridge Road flooded and closed.
• Valle Crucis, water covered the roads at the intersection of Dewitt Barnett Road and Broadstone Road.
• In Valle Crucis, flooding along Dewitt Barnett Road.
• In Sands, a portion of Castleford Road was closed due to flooding.
• In Foscoe, a portion of Highway 221 was washed out.
• In Boone. various streets were reported as flooded.
• In Aho,  Bamboo Road closed because of flooding.
• In Avery County, NC 181 near the Burke County line was covered by 1.5 feet of water.
• In Burke County, NC 183 was closed at NC 181 due to clogged ditches.

The following rivers and creeks have experienced flooding:

• The North Fork New River at Clifton is dropping after cresting at 8.19 ft. Flood stage is 7 ft.
• The South Fork New River near Jefferson is at 7.38 ft. Flood stage is 8 ft.
• South Fork New River at SR 110 near Brownwood is at 12.28 ft. Flood stage is 10 ft.
• The Watauga River near Sugar Grove is dropping after a crest of 12.52 ft. The flood stage is 6 ft.
• The Watauga River near Foscoe is dropping after cresting at 10.59 ft. The flood stage is 9 ft.
• The Wilson Creek at Adako Rd near Collettsville is dropping from a crest of 8.19 ft. The flood stage is 7 ft.

Residents in the affected areas should:

• Stay Informed: Monitor local weather updates and official flood warnings
• Avoid Flood-Prone Areas: Do not attempt to drive through flooded roadways
• Have a plan for any outdoor activities, as heavy rain could disrupt any event during these days.

Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich and the entire Weather Impact team will have regular updates on air, on the WCNC Charlotte app and on WCNC+ which you can download on your TV and stream for free 24/7.