Flood Watch in Effect for Northwest NC Until 10 AM Friday
Tropical moisture is pushing heavy rainfall into northwest North Carolina and Southside Virginia, raising flood risks through 10 a.m. Friday.
NORTHWEST NORTH CAROLINA — A Flood Watch remains in effect for northwest North Carolina into Southside Virginia until 10 a.m. EDT Friday morning, as tropical moisture brings moderate to heavy rainfall across the region, according to the National Weather Service office in Blacksburg, Virginia.
The watch, issued at 1:31 a.m. EDT on June 19, covers the northwest Piedmont of North Carolina and extends into Southside Virginia. Flooding from excessive rainfall continues to be possible throughout the affected area.
Where the Greatest Risk Lies
Forecasters warn that excessive runoff may cause flooding along rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Low-water crossings across the region may also become flooded, the National Weather Service reported.
Urban areas face a heightened risk of localized flooding as tropical moisture moves through the northwest Piedmont early Friday morning. Residents in those areas are urged to avoid flood-prone roads and low-water crossings.
What Is Driving the Rainfall
Tropical moisture is the primary driver of the rainfall event, bringing periods of moderate to at times heavy precipitation to the region, according to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg. The watch covers the early morning hours and is set to expire at 10 a.m. EDT.
A Flood Watch means flooding is possible but not yet occurring or imminent. Residents should monitor conditions closely and be prepared to move to higher ground if flooding develops in their area, according to guidance from the National Weather Service flood safety page at weather.gov/safety/flood.
What Residents Should Know
The National Weather Service advises that even shallow, fast-moving floodwater can be dangerous. Motorists should never attempt to drive through flooded roadways or across low-water crossings that appear submerged.
Residents in northwest North Carolina and Southside Virginia should remain alert to updated forecasts and any changes to the watch status before and after the 10 a.m. expiration. Updates are available through the National Weather Service at weather.gov.
