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Severe Weather All Across the High Country Area, Flash Flood Watch Remains in Effect Until 8 p.m.

by Madison V. Fisler

July 3, 2013. Much of the High Country is currently under a flash flood watch issued by the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, Va. early this morning due to heavy rainfall. The counties affected at this time are: Watauga, Ashe, Avery, Catawba, Buncombe, Alleghany, Caldwell, Mitchell, Wilkes, Madison, Yancey, Burke, Haywood and Surry. 

Heavy thunderstorms moving through the region may cause flash flooding in the affected counties. As of press time, the watch will remain in effect until 8 p.m. Heavy rain and thunderstorms in the region are expected to last into the weekend. 

From the National Weather Service:

A strong flow of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico will continue to flow north into the region. Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms will produce heavy rain…and potentially cause flash flooding. The greatest threat will be in locations that receive repeated periods of heavy rain over the same area…including areas where heavy rain has already fallen.

A flash flood watch means that conditions exist to facilitate flash flooding. Residents should stay alert for updates about changing weather conditions. 

Heavy rains have continued throughout the majority of the week. Grandfather Mountain gauged their rainfall at 4.19 inches so far, and more is expected. 

The heavy rain conditions are expected to persist through the week and into the early part of the weekend, with hopes that it will turn for the better in time for the weekend.