Flash Flood — Watauga, North Carolina

2018-05-18 · near Bowers Gap, Watauga, North Carolina

Event narrative

Widespread flooding was reported across southern Watauga County. The Boone Fire Department said a woman driving on a flooded section of Bamboo Road got her SUV swept up by the flood waters. Rescue crews quickly got her to safety with no serious injuries. One foot of water was estimated to be flowing down Seven Devils Road onto Route 105 near Foscoe. Linville Creek was reported to have flooded over the bridge at Linville Creek Road. The Watauga River at Sugar Grove (SGWN7) crested at 16.15 feet, the highest stage since September, 2004. Several debris flows were reported across the area, blocking roads. Overall damage to road infrastructure was around $1 million.

Wider weather episode

The synoptic pattern remained little changed from the previous day with deep moisture in place. An axis of very heavy rainfall pushed north across the Carolinas in the late afternoon and evening as the weak area of low pressure over the southeast lifted slowly northward. Slow-moving storms with highly efficient rainfall affected number of areas in the mountains and foothills of northern North Carolina. Rainfall amount were generally 2 to 4 inches over a several hour period with isolated higher amounts.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (36.1502, -81.8429)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 749694. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.