Ashe declared in state of emergency during yesterday's flooding
HEATHER SAMUDIO/AMT
Flood waters are beginning to recede and are expected to do so throughout the day; however, drivers are urged to be cautious driving today. Some areas which saw flooding last night are seeing the residual water from the flooding as ice this morning. Debris is also covering highways in different locations around the county.
Updated Forecast
(From the National Weather Service)
Thursday, Jan. 31
Mostly cloudy with a high near 30. Breezy with a west wind around 22 mph. Gusts may be as high as 40 mph.
Thursday night, Jan. 31
A chance of snow showers mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy with a low around 16. Breezy with a west wind 16 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. New snow accumulation of around an inch.
Friday, Feb. 1
Chance of snow showers, mainly before 10 a.m. Mostly sunny with a high near 21. Wind chill values as low as -2. Breezy with a west wind 18 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 39. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Friday night, Feb. 1
Mostly clear with a low around 15. West wind 7 to 13 mph.
Saturday, Feb. 2
A chance of snow showers before 3 p.m. then a chance of rain and snow showers between 3 and 4 p.m. Then a chance of rain showers after 4 p.m. Partly sunny with a high near 37. Southwest wind 8 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.
Saturday night, Feb. 2
A chance of rain and snow showers before 7 p.m., then a chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy with a low around 27. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.
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Recommended actions during severe weather
(from the National Weather Service)
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to see the flooding. If flash flooding is observed, move up to higher ground quickly. Do not stay in areas subject to flooding when water begins rising.
The heavy rain will increase the risk of landslides. If you are near steep slopes or a mountainside stream or river, seek refuge on higher ground away from the stream immediately. Potential flash flood and landslide hazards include Washed-out roads or bridges. Falling rocks, mud, trees and other large debris. Remain alert.
When it is safe to do so, send reports of flooding, including mudslides or road closures, to the National Weather Service by calling toll free at (866) 215-4324. Reports and pictures can also be shared on the National Weather Service Blacksburg Facebook page and on Twitter.
Excerpted from ready.gov:
During:
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Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
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If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:
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Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
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Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
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Be aware of stream, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rain.
If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:
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Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
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Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be swept away quickly.
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Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers or creeks, particularly during threatening conditions.
What is a Flash Flood Warning? This warning signifies a short duration of intense flooding of counties, communities, streams, or urban areas with high peak rate of flow.
Flash floods may result from such things as torrential downpours, dam breaks, or ice jam breaks. They are issued by the local National Weather Service Office for four hours or less.
Since flash flooding can occur in severe thunderstorms, this type of warning can be combined with either a Tornado Warning or a Severe Thunderstorm Warning.
Last modified: Jan. 31
Heather Canter
Ashe County was declared in a state of emergency yesterday and Ashe County Emergency Management opened a shelter at Mountain View Elementary School.
After rains that were extremely heavy at times, streams, creeks and rivers overflowed their banks resulting in serious flooding. Reports came in from all over the county of motorists being stranded in flooded areas when their car stalled in the deep waters that were covering roadways and parking lots.
A Hazardous Weather Outlook was issued last night by the National Weather Service of Blacksburg, Va. A High Wind Warning remains in effect until 4 p.m. today. The NWS said winds would begin diminishing somewhat this afternoon.
The Flash Flood Watch is still in effect until 2:15 p.m. today. The NWS said flooding is continuing along the Watauga River and the New River and locations along these rivers are still being impacted by high water.
"The Watauga River is receding and should continue to recede through the day. Flood waters are working their way down the New River and flooding will continue especially downstream into the state of Virginia," read a statement from NWS.
Area residents are asked to stay off the roads unless it is an emergency. Reports of trees down across highways, mud slides and flooded roads make driving extremely treacherous.
Area Schools
Ashe and Alleghany County Schools are closed for students and staff today and the day will be used as an annual leave day for staff.
Watauga County Schools, after previously being on a two-hour delay, made the decision to close for the day as well. It is an optional teacher workday.
Two Rivers Community School in Boone had also planned a two-hour delay, but decided to close today for staff and students.
The Ashe Campus of Wilkes Community College closed for the day.
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