Alert archive / North Carolina / Flash Flood Warnings in 2021

Flash Flood Warning 29, NWS Blacksburg, VA

August 17, 2021Watauga County, North Carolina

NWS Blacksburg, VA issued this flash flood warning at Aug 17, 2021, 7:13 PM EDT for Watauga County, North Carolina. It was in force for 8 hr. 1 report came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Aug 17, 2021, 7:13 PM EDT (23:13 UTC)
Expired
Aug 18, 2021, 2:54 AM EDT
In force
8 hr
Issued by
NWS Blacksburg, VA
Area
Storm-based polygon
Flood severity
None

County Watauga County, NC

The radar

The Knoxville radar (KMRX), 151 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 23:13 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Aug 17, 11:10 PM EDTFLASH FLOOD1 Nw Boone, NCMULTIPLE IMAGES AND VIDEOS OF FLASH FLOODING ONGOING IN BOONE WITH MULTIPLE VEHICLES WITH WATER ABOVE THEIR TIRE LINES.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The nearest sounding before it

Greensboro/Hi Pt, NC (KGSO), launched 12:00Z, 11.2 hours before the alert went out and 164 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Greensboro/Hi Pt, NC at 12:00Z on 2021-08-17Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 522 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Greensboro/Hi Pt, NC at 12:00Z on 2021-08-17The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 77 square meters per square second.193958Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
522 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-5 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
593 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
26 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
77 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
99 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.1
Supercell composite
0.9

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

439 
WGUS51 KRNK 172313
FFWRNK
NCC189-180400-
/O.NEW.KRNK.FF.W.0029.210817T2313Z-210818T0400Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
713 PM EDT Tue Aug 17 2021

The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  Watauga County in northwestern North Carolina...

* Until midnight EDT.

* At 713 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing 
  heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1.5 and 3 inches of 
  rain have fallen over the last 24 hours. The expected rainfall 
  rate between now and 10:00 PM is expected to range from 1.0 to as 
  much as 5 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 
  inches are possible in the warned area...resulting in potential 
  rainfall totals of 3.5 to 7.0 inches. Flash flooding is expected 
  to begin shortly.

  HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by excessive tropical rainfall.

  SOURCE...Radar.

  IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban
           areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as
           other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Boone...                           Blowing Rock...
  Beech Mountain...                  Sugar Grove...
  Foscoe...                          Todd...
  Deep Gap...

This includes the following locations...
	Appalachian State University.

This includes the following streams and drainages...
  Brushy Fork, Elk Creek, George Gap Branch, Beech Creek, Beaverdam 
  Creek, Flat Branch, Craborchard Creek, Cove Creek, Fall Creek, 
  Dugger Creek and Dutch Creek.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are 
potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded 
roads. Find an alternate route.

&&

LAT...LON 3627 8156 3624 8148 3620 8145 3614 8150
      3611 8155 3611 8167 3611 8181 3617 8183
      3619 8186 3619 8189 3622 8191 3626 8189
      3629 8192 3634 8186 3636 8179 3634 8176
      3634 8170 3638 8173 3639 8173 3635 8164

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
EXPECTED RAINFALL...2.5-5 INCHES IN 1 HOUR

$$

11
5 follow-up statements
879 
WGUS71 KRNK 180052
FFSRNK

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
852 PM EDT Tue Aug 17 2021

NCC189-180400-
/O.CON.KRNK.FF.W.0029.000000T0000Z-210818T0400Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Watauga NC-
852 PM EDT Tue Aug 17 2021

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT 
FOR WATAUGA COUNTY...

At 852 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated an area of heavy rain, 
embedded with thunderstorms across the warned area. Between 2 and 4 
inches of rain have fallen over the last 24 hours. The rainfall rate 
between now and 10:00 PM is expected to be 2.5 to 4 inches in 1 
hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are possible in 
the warned area.  This will bring 24 hour rainfall totals into the 
3.5 to 7.0 inch range. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to 
begin shortly.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms and tropical
         rainfall.

SOURCE...Radar and Rain Gage reports.

IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
         highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor
         drainage and low-lying areas.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Boone...                           Blowing Rock...
Beech Mountain...                  Sugar Grove...
Foscoe...                          Todd...
Deep Gap...

This includes the following locations...
	Appalachian State University.

This includes the following streams and drainages...
  Brushy Fork, Elk Creek, George Gap Branch, Beech Creek, Beaverdam 
  Creek, Flat Branch, Craborchard Creek, Cove Creek, Fall Creek, 
  Dugger Creek and Dutch Creek.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are 
potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded 
roads. Find an alternate route.

&&

LAT...LON 3627 8156 3624 8148 3620 8145 3614 8150
      3611 8155 3611 8167 3611 8181 3617 8183
      3619 8186 3619 8189 3622 8191 3626 8189
      3629 8192 3634 8186 3636 8179 3634 8176
      3634 8170 3638 8173 3639 8173 3635 8164

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
EXPECTED RAINFALL...2.5-4 INCHES IN 1 HOUR

$$

11
534 
WGUS71 KRNK 180227
FFSRNK

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
1027 PM EDT Tue Aug 17 2021

NCC189-180400-
/O.CON.KRNK.FF.W.0029.000000T0000Z-210818T0400Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Watauga NC-
1027 PM EDT Tue Aug 17 2021

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT 
FOR WATAUGA COUNTY...

At 1027 PM EDT, Automated rain gauges indicated that between 3 and 6 
inches of rain have fallen across Watauga County over the last 24 
hours, three inches of that rain, falling between 8:00 PM and 10:00 
PM this evening. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin 
shortly due to the runoff from this excessive rainfall.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms and tropical
         rainfall.

SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges.

IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
         highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor
         drainage and low-lying areas.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Boone...                           Blowing Rock...
Beech Mountain...                  Sugar Grove...
Foscoe...                          Todd...
Deep Gap...

This includes the following locations...
	Appalachian State University.

Watch for mudslides and debris on area highways.  This rain is 
coming from a tropical system which not only causes flooding, but 
also results in falling trees from the heavy water loading, and 
softening of the ground.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles, and especially at night when it is harder 
to see water on the road and debris in the highway.

In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are 
potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded 
roads. Find an alternate route.

&&

LAT...LON 3627 8156 3624 8148 3620 8145 3614 8150
      3611 8155 3611 8167 3611 8181 3617 8183
      3619 8186 3619 8189 3622 8191 3626 8189
      3629 8192 3634 8186 3636 8179 3634 8176
      3634 8170 3638 8173 3639 8173 3635 8164

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR AND GAUGE INDICATED

$$

PM
916 
WGUS51 KRNK 180311
FFWRNK
NCC189-180700-
/O.EXT.KRNK.FF.W.0029.000000T0000Z-210818T0700Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
1111 PM EDT Tue Aug 17 2021

The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has extended the

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  Watauga County in northwestern North Carolina...

* Until 300 AM EDT.

* At 1111 PM EDT, Automated rain gauges indicated that between 3 and 
  6 inches of rain have fallen across Watauga County over the last 
  24 hours, three inches of that rain, falling between 8:00 PM and 
  10:00 PM this evening. Flash flooding is ongoing and may continue 
  into the late night.  The warning has been extended until 3:00 AM 
  to account for a continuation of the runoff from this excessive 
  rainfall.

  HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms and tropical
           rainfall.

  SOURCE...Radar and Rain Gage reports.

  IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban
           areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as
           other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Boone...                           Blowing Rock...
  Sugar Grove...                     Deep Gap...
  Foscoe...                          Todd...

This includes the following locations...
	Appalachian State University.

Watch for mudslides and debris on area highways.  This rain is 
coming from a tropical system which not only causes flooding, but 
also results in falling trees from the heavy water loading, and 
softening of the ground.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the 
dangers of flooding.

When it is safe to do so, please send your reports of flooding, 
including mudslides or flooded roads, to the National Weather 
Service by calling toll free at 1...8 6 6...2 1 5...4 3 2 4. Reports 
and pictures can also be shared on the National Weather Service 
Blacksburg Facebook page and on Twitter.

&&

LAT...LON 3627 8156 3624 8148 3620 8145 3614 8150
      3611 8155 3611 8167 3611 8181 3617 8183
      3619 8186 3619 8189 3622 8191 3626 8189
      3629 8192 3634 8186 3636 8179 3634 8176
      3634 8170 3638 8173 3639 8173 3635 8164

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR AND GAUGE INDICATED

$$

PM
452 
WGUS71 KRNK 180500
FFSRNK

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
100 AM EDT Wed Aug 18 2021

NCC189-180700-
/O.CON.KRNK.FF.W.0029.000000T0000Z-210818T0700Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Watauga NC-
100 AM EDT Wed Aug 18 2021

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 AM EDT EARLY THIS 
MORNING FOR WATAUGA COUNTY...

At 100 AM EDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated 
that heavy rain has exited the area this evening, leaving only light 
rain showers across the county. However, runoff from between 3 and 6 
inches of rain that fell this evening continues to collect in area 
rivers and streams. Flash flooding is already occurring, and will 
continue through at least 3 am. Automated river gauges indicate that 
the Watauga River is rising quickly this morning, with minor 
flooding ongoing.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by heavy rain.

SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges.

IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
         highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor
         drainage and low-lying areas.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Boone...                           Blowing Rock...
Beech Mountain...                  Sugar Grove...
Foscoe...                          Todd...
Deep Gap...

This includes the following locations...
	Appalachian State University.

This includes the following streams and drainages...
  Brushy Fork, Elk Creek, George Gap Branch, Beech Creek, Beaverdam 
  Creek, Flat Branch, Crab Orchard Creek, Cove Creek, Fall Creek, 
  Dugger Creek and Dutch Creek.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the 
dangers of flooding.

When it is safe to do so, please send your reports of flooding, 
including mudslides or flooded roads, to the National Weather 
Service by calling toll free at 1...8 6 6...2 1 5...4 3 2 4. Reports 
and pictures can also be shared on the National Weather Service 
Blacksburg Facebook page and on Twitter.

&&

LAT...LON 3627 8156 3624 8148 3620 8145 3614 8150
      3611 8155 3611 8167 3611 8181 3617 8183
      3619 8186 3619 8189 3622 8191 3626 8189
      3629 8192 3634 8186 3636 8179 3634 8176
      3634 8170 3638 8173 3639 8173 3635 8164

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR AND GAUGE INDICATED

$$

16
360 
WGUS71 KRNK 180654
FFSRNK

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
254 AM EDT Wed Aug 18 2021

NCC189-180704-
/O.CAN.KRNK.FF.W.0029.000000T0000Z-210818T0700Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Watauga NC-
254 AM EDT Wed Aug 18 2021

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR WATAUGA COUNTY HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH A 
FLOOD WARNING...

LAT...LON 3627 8156 3624 8148 3620 8145 3614 8150
      3611 8155 3611 8167 3611 8181 3617 8183
      3619 8186 3619 8189 3622 8191 3626 8189
      3629 8192 3634 8186 3636 8179 3634 8176
      3634 8170 3638 8173 3639 8173 3635 8164

$$

16

The office that day

Everything else NWS Blacksburg, VA issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Aug 17, 3:37 AM EDTFlash Flood WatchRNKAlleghany, Ashe, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes24 hr
Aug 17, 11:48 AM EDTTornado Warning Tornado observedRNKWilkes42 min
Aug 17, 12:35 PM EDTTornado Warning Tornado observedRNKWilkes, Yadkin40 min
Aug 17, 12:46 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRNKWilkes44 min
Aug 17, 1:19 PM EDTTornado WarningRNKWilkes41 min
Aug 17, 1:48 PM EDTTornado WarningRNKAlleghany, Wilkes42 min
Aug 17, 1:58 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRNKAlleghany, Caswell, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry, Yadkin32 min
Aug 17, 2:18 PM EDTTornado WarningRNKCaswell32 min
Aug 17, 2:43 PM EDTTornado WarningRNKRockingham, Stokes32 min
Aug 17, 4:35 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRNKSurry25 min
Aug 17, 5:05 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRNKAlleghany40 min
Aug 17, 6:50 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRNKWatauga25 min
Aug 17, 7:54 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRNKAshe36 min

Nearby

Flash Flood Warnings in North Carolina, 2021Every flash flood warning in 2021

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.