Jan. 31, 2013. Details are continuing to surface on just how bad the Wednesday night flood in Boone really was. While some escaped unscathed or mostly unscathed, many business owners and staff returned to their stores this morning to find an absolute mess.
BY PAUL T. CHOATE
Jan. 31, 2013. The valley in between Rominger and Howard Edmisten roads off of U.S. 321 in Sugar Grove had the feel of an ocean about one hour before the peak of the flood last night.
Though too dark to see even remotely clearly, the scattered lights from barns, homes and passing headlights reflected off the 8 p.m. rushing waters of Cove Creek that spread across the entire low-lying areas of the valley before making its way to the Watauga River.
BY JESSE WOOD
Jan. 31, 2013. In the aftermath of last night’s flash flood, photographers from High Country Press have been out and about this morning taking photos of the damage. Many around Boone are picking up the pieces and trying to recover from what is left of their flooded homes or businesses.
BY PAUL T. CHOATE
Photos by Ken Ketchie
Jan. 30, 2013. Flood waters have receded in some areas allowing roads to re-open. However, some roads remain closed. The threat of flash flooding remains with a flash flood warning in effect until Jan. 31 at 12:30 a.m. All citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and motorist are advised to avoid driving into water covering roadways.
Jan. 30, 2013. It’s coming down. Many roads and areas in the High Country are flooded. As one Facebooker commented on Watauga County Road Conditions, “Rivers Street is living up to its name.” The Boone Mall, of course, is flooded with at least 10 cars standing in water that has risen to hood levels as of 5 p.m.
At the Wendy’s intersection at the corners of N.C. 105 and U.S. 321, cars are treading in water that is at bumper levels, and a sinkhole has formed at Appalachian Panhellenic Hall, the former hotel turned into a dorm for sororities.
Kenneth Reece of Watauga County Road Conditions noted, via scanner reports, that a mud slide happened near Tweetsie Railroad and a stump is lying in the middle of U.S. 321; “big chunks of asphalt” washing onto N.C. 105 near the building supply; and cars are stalling out due to the high water. He added that several roads around Boone are being closed.
The rain doesn’t look like its stopping anytime soon. Be safe out there.
BY JESSE WOOD
Photo by Ken Ketchie