Alert archive / North Carolina / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026

Flash Flood Warning 35, NWS Blacksburg, VA

August 22, 2026Stokes County, Surry County, North Carolina

NWS Blacksburg, VA issued this flash flood warning at Aug 22, 2026, 9:49 PM EDT for Stokes County, Surry County, North Carolina. It was in force for 6 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued.

The facts

Issued
Aug 22, 2026, 9:49 PM EDT (01:49 UTC)
Expired
Aug 23, 2026, 4:00 AM EDT
In force
6 hr
Issued by
NWS Blacksburg, VA
Area
Storm-based polygon
Flood severity
None

Counties Stokes County, NC, Surry County, NC

The radar

The Roanoke radar (KFCX), 89 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 01:51 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.

Did it verify

Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this flash flood warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.

Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.

The nearest sounding before it

Greensboro/Hi Pt, NC (KGSO), launched 00:00Z, 1.8 hours before the alert went out and 71 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 00:00Z on 2026-08-23Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 1646 joules per kilogram.LCLEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Greensboro/Hi Pt, NC at 00:00Z on 2026-08-23The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 33 square meters per square second.19395878Sfc1 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
1646 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
873 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
28 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
33 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
45 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.2
Supercell composite
1.1

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

000 
WGUS51 KRNK 230149
FFWRNK
NCC169-171-230800-
/O.NEW.KRNK.FF.W.0035.260823T0149Z-260823T0800Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
949 PM EDT Sat Aug 22 2026

The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  Southwestern Stokes County in north central North Carolina...
  Southern Surry County in northwestern North Carolina...

* Until 400 AM EDT Sunday.

* At 949 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing 
  heavy rain across the warned area. Between 3 and 4 inches of rain 
  have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 2 to 4 inches in 1 
  hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in 
  the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin 
  shortly.

  HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

  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...
  Elkin...                           Fairview...
  Jonesville...                      Dobson...
  Pilot Mountain...                  Mountain Park...
  Level Cross...

This includes the following streams and drainages...
  Bull Creek, Beaver Creek, Camp Creek, Chinquapin Creek, Cody 
  Creek, Christian Creek, Cooks Creek, Ararat River and Caddle Creek.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

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 X.

&&

LAT...LON 3625 8046 3626 8047 3626 8053 3628 8054
      3627 8059 3629 8063 3625 8066 3627 8068
      3627 8073 3628 8074 3626 8075 3627 8078
      3625 8079 3624 8087 3633 8087 3634 8089
      3645 8091 3643 8040 3626 8041 3626 8045

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
EXPECTED RAINFALL RATE...2-4 INCHES IN 1 HOUR

$$

CDG
1 follow-up statement
757 
WGUS71 KRNK 230755
FFSRNK

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
355 AM EDT Sun Aug 23 2026

NCC169-171-230805-
/O.EXP.KRNK.FF.W.0035.000000T0000Z-260823T0800Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Stokes NC-Surry NC-
355 AM EDT Sun Aug 23 2026

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 4 AM EDT EARLY THIS MORNING 
FOR SOUTHWESTERN STOKES AND SOUTHERN SURRY COUNTIES...

Flood waters have receded. Flooding is no longer expected to pose a 
threat. Please continue to heed remaining road closures.

&&

LAT...LON 3625 8046 3626 8047 3626 8053 3628 8054
      3627 8059 3629 8063 3625 8066 3627 8068
      3627 8073 3628 8074 3626 8075 3627 8078
      3625 8079 3624 8087 3633 8087 3634 8089
      3645 8091 3643 8040 3626 8041 3626 8045

$$

RS

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this flash flood warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Blacksburg, VA wrote its last area forecast discussion before this flash flood warning went out at Aug 22, 8:32 PM EDT, 1 hour 17 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • 1) A cold front will continue pushing toward the region this evening along with its associated round of scattered showers and thunderstorms, both in advance of an current to the front. 2) Drier cooler weather returns tomorrow and continues into early next week.
Area forecast discussion, Aug 22, 8:32 PM EDT, 1 hour 17 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
832 PM EDT Sat Aug 22 2026

.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
Updated PoPs for progression of the front toward the area.

Aviation Forecast Updated.

&&

.KEY MESSAGES...
1) A cold front will continue pushing toward the region this
evening along with its associated round of scattered showers and
thunderstorms, both in advance of an current to the front.

2) Drier cooler weather returns tomorrow and continues into
early next week.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
KEY MESSAGE 1: A cold front will continue pushing toward the region this
evening along with its associated round of scattered showers and
thunderstorms, both in advance of an current to the front.

A cold front will continue its progression toward the area
along with its associated showers and storms both in advance and
concurrent to the front. The bulk of the first round of
activity will be near and east of a Pilot Mountain, NC to a City
of Lexington, VA line the remainder of this evening. When the
front crosses later tonight, primarily western sections will see
some showers and perhaps a storm.Behind the front, winds will
transition to northwesterly as surface high pressure builds into
the region. This will bring gusty winds during the overnight
hours to the area, which will linger through the mid morning
hours on Sunday.

KEY MESSAGE 2: Drier cooler weather returns Sunday and continues
into early next week.

Behind the frontal passage on Sunday, surface high pressure
ejecting southeastward out of Canada will inject cooler and
drier air into the region on Sunday. This will lead to initially
cloudy conditions across upslope regions in the mountains, but
should quickly clear out by the mid morning and early afternoon
hours on Sunday. Mostly clear skies with no rain chances are
expected through Tuesday, with isolated to scattered chances for
showers and thunderstorms returning to the area by the middle of
next week. More moisture looks to return to the area by Thursday
as the high pressure over the region finally breaks down
allowing the Bermuda high to take over, which will advect more
moisture to the area.

&&

.AVIATION /00Z SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
A cold front is making progress towards the region. A line of
showers and storms in advance of this feature is currently
progressing east of a roughly a KMTV-KLYH line. Conditions
across the region were mainly VFR, with shortlived pockets of
sub-VFR within the heavier showers/storms. Additional
showers/storms will be possible later tonight primarily across
western portions of the area with the arrive of the cold front.
Behind the front, look for the development of sub-VFR cigs
within the upslope region of the mountains which will continue
into Sunday morning. Additionally, shortly after the front
passes, winds will transition from southerly/southwesterly
across the region to northwesterly, with sustained winds of 5-10
knots and gusts of 15-20 knots during the overnight and into
the early morning hours.

OUTLOOK...

Drier airmass situated over the Great Lakes will sink into the
area Sunday into early next week. Should be mainly VFR aside
from any late night fog, mainly LWB/BCB. Next system appears to
bring some chances for storms Wednesday with possibility for
sub-VFR cigs/vsbys.

&&

.RNK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
VA...None.
NC...None.
WV...None.

&&

DISCUSSION...DS/EB
AVIATION...DS/EB
Hazardous weather outlook, Aug 22, 1:55 PM EDT, 7 hours 54 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
155 PM EDT Sat Aug 22 2026

VAZ007-009>011-WVZ042>044-507-508-231800-
Tazewell-Smyth-Bland-Giles-Mercer-Summers-Monroe-Eastern Greenbrier-
Western Greenbrier-
155 PM EDT Sat Aug 22 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southwest Virginia and
southeast West Virginia.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

There is a Slight Risk (level 2 of 5) of severe storms this
afternoon and evening.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NCZ001>004-018>020-VAZ012>020-022>024-032>035-043-231800-
Ashe-Alleghany NC-Surry-Stokes-Watauga-Wilkes-Yadkin-Wythe-Pulaski-
Montgomery-Grayson-Carroll-Floyd-Craig-Alleghany VA-Bath-Roanoke-
Botetourt-Rockbridge-Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-Henry-
155 PM EDT Sat Aug 22 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for north central North Carolina,
northwest North Carolina, central Virginia, south central Virginia,
southwest Virginia and west central Virginia.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

There is a Marginal Risk (level 1 of 5) of severe storms this
afternoon and evening.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NCZ005-006-VAZ044>047-058-059-231800-
Rockingham-Caswell-Pittsylvania-Campbell-Appomattox-Buckingham-
Halifax-Charlotte-
155 PM EDT Sat Aug 22 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for north central North Carolina,
central Virginia and south central Virginia.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Aug 22, 7:38 PM EDT, 2 hours 11 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
738 PM EDT Sat Aug 22 2026

VAZ035-230015-
Amherst VA-
738 PM EDT Sat Aug 22 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT
NORTHERN AMHERST COUNTY THROUGH 815 PM EDT...

At 738 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms over Alto, or near Buena Vista, moving east at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Forks Of Buffalo...
Clifford...
Lowesville...
Alto...
and Oronoco.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3778 7911 3779 7909 3778 7907 3772 7907
      3770 7903 3770 7899 3765 7896 3766 7935
      3769 7932 3775 7930 3779 7927 3781 7923
      3779 7920 3781 7917 3781 7914
TIME...MOT...LOC 2338Z 272DEG 20KT 3775 7925

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

CDG
Special weather statement, Aug 22, 8:03 PM EDT, 1 hour 46 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
803 PM EDT Sat Aug 22 2026

NCZ003-VAZ015-016-032-230030-
Surry NC-Grayson VA-Patrick VA-Carroll VA-
803 PM EDT Sat Aug 22 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT
NORTHEASTERN SURRY...SOUTHEASTERN CARROLL...SOUTHEASTERN GRAYSON AND
SOUTHWESTERN PATRICK COUNTIES THROUGH 830 PM EDT...

At 803 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Ararat, moving east at 20 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Mount Airy...
Fancy Gap...
Ararat...
Cana...
Laurel Fork...
Lambsburg...
and Gladesboro.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Locally heavy rain will quickly reduce visibility and result in
ponding of water on roadways, standing water in low lying areas, and
minor flooding of creeks, streams, and areas of poor drainage.
Drivers are urged to slow down and use extra caution to avoid
hydroplaning.

&&

LAT...LON 3657 8098 3672 8082 3672 8047 3671 8046
      3672 8046 3672 8038 3657 8036 3655 8039
      3655 8044 3651 8044 3650 8045
TIME...MOT...LOC 0003Z 275DEG 19KT 3659 8055

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

CDG
Special weather statement, Aug 22, 8:56 PM EDT, 53 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
856 PM EDT Sat Aug 22 2026

NCZ003-004-VAZ032-230130-
Stokes NC-Surry NC-Patrick VA-
856 PM EDT Sat Aug 22 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT
SURRY...WESTERN STOKES AND SOUTHWESTERN PATRICK COUNTIES THROUGH 930
PM EDT...

At 856 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Mountain Park, moving east at 15 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and half inch hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Mount Airy...
Fairview...
Flat Rock...
Dobson...
Pilot Mountain...
Stuart...
and Francisco.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Locally heavy rain will quickly reduce visibility and result in
ponding of water on roadways, standing water in low lying areas, and
minor flooding of creeks, streams, and areas of poor drainage.
Drivers are urged to slow down and use extra caution to avoid
hydroplaning.

&&

LAT...LON 3630 8086 3633 8087 3644 8096 3656 8074
      3656 8061 3659 8062 3666 8021 3628 8024
TIME...MOT...LOC 0056Z 281DEG 15KT 3635 8079

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

CDG
Special weather statement, Aug 22, 8:59 PM EDT, 50 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
859 PM EDT Sat Aug 22 2026

VAZ043-044-230130-
Henry VA-Pittsylvania VA-
859 PM EDT Sat Aug 22 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT
SOUTHWESTERN PITTSYLVANIA AND SOUTHEASTERN HENRY COUNTIES THROUGH 930
PM EDT...

At 859 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Aiken Summit, or near Axton, moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Axton...
Ridgeway...
Aiken Summit...
Sandy River...
Sandy Level...
Cascade...
and Swansonville.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Locally heavy rain will quickly reduce visibility and result in
ponding of water on roadways, standing water in low lying areas, and
minor flooding of creeks, streams, and areas of poor drainage.
Drivers are urged to slow down and use extra caution to avoid
hydroplaning.

&&

LAT...LON 3665 7982 3674 7967 3673 7957 3661 7953
      3654 7970 3654 7988
TIME...MOT...LOC 0059Z 258DEG 33KT 3659 7971

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH

CDG
Special weather statement, Aug 22, 9:29 PM EDT, 20 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
929 PM EDT Sat Aug 22 2026

NCZ005-006-VAZ044-058-230200-
Rockingham NC-Caswell NC-Halifax VA-Pittsylvania VA-
929 PM EDT Sat Aug 22 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT
EASTERN ROCKINGHAM...CASWELL...SOUTHEASTERN PITTSYLVANIA AND
SOUTHWESTERN HALIFAX COUNTIES AND THE CITY OF DANVILLE THROUGH 1000
PM EDT...

At 929 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms near Semora, or 8 miles northwest of Roxboro, moving
southeast at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Danville...
South Boston...
Yanceyville...
Bethel...
Jericho...
Prospect Hill...
and Turbeville.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Locally heavy rain will quickly reduce visibility and result in
ponding of water on roadways, standing water in low lying areas, and
minor flooding of creeks, streams, and areas of poor drainage.
Drivers are urged to slow down and use extra caution to avoid
hydroplaning.

&&

LAT...LON 3654 7961 3672 7941 3673 7892 3654 7892
      3654 7914 3624 7916 3624 7962
TIME...MOT...LOC 0129Z 293DEG 26KT 3647 7911

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH

CDG
Special weather statement, Aug 22, 9:36 PM EDT, 13 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
936 PM EDT Sat Aug 22 2026

NCZ003>005-020-VAZ032-230200-
Stokes NC-Rockingham NC-Yadkin NC-Surry NC-Patrick VA-
936 PM EDT Sat Aug 22 2026

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT
SURRY...STOKES...WESTERN ROCKINGHAM AND NORTHERN YADKIN COUNTIES
THROUGH 1000 PM EDT...

At 936 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms over Madison, moving east at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Eden...
Mount Airy...
Elkin...
Fairview...
Flat Rock...
Wentworth...
and Mayodan.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Locally heavy rain will quickly reduce visibility and result in
ponding of water on roadways, standing water in low lying areas, and
minor flooding of creeks, streams, and areas of poor drainage.
Drivers are urged to slow down and use extra caution to avoid
hydroplaning.

&&

LAT...LON 3633 8087 3634 8090 3641 8091 3656 8056
      3654 7975 3625 7976 3625 8087
TIME...MOT...LOC 0136Z 266DEG 24KT 3638 8002

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

CDG

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Aug 22, 8:30 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRNKCaswell, Rockingham60 min
Aug 22, 8:56 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRNKStokes, Surry34 min
Aug 22, 9:23 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryRNKStokes, Surry3 hr
Aug 22, 9:29 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRNKCaswell31 min
Aug 22, 9:36 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRNKRockingham, Stokes, Surry24 min
Aug 22, 9:51 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRNKCaswell, Rockingham, Stokes54 min
Aug 22, 10:45 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementRNKCaswell30 min

Nearby

Flash Flood Warnings in North Carolina, 2026Every flash flood warning in 2026

Sources

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