The National Weather Service in Knoxville is reporting a series of weather advisories as a potent storm system continues to pummel the region with heavy rainfall that could lead to significant flooding. According to the latest updates, a Flood Watch remains in effect through Thursday morning for portions of southwest North Carolina, east Tennessee, and southwest Virginia.
According to the National Weather Service, "A storm system will bring multiple rounds of moderate to heavy rain today and tonight, and again on Wednesday afternoon and evening." The continued rainfall is expected to result in two-day totals between 2 and 4 inches, with localized higher amounts anticipated. Residents in these regions are warned of excessive runoff that may overflow rivers, creeks, and flood-prone areas. The public is urged to be vigilant and ready to act should flood warnings be issued.
Additionally, the NWS has highlighted that wind gusts reaching 30 to 40 mph are expected on the higher peaks of East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Southwest North Carolina mountains, with isolated gusts potentially hitting 50 mph. Such conditions could lead to downed trees and possible power outages, further complicating the flooding caused by saturated grounds from the intense rainfall.
The hazardous weather outlook provided by the National Weather Service further explains that "flooding issues will becoming increasingly likely," mentioning that total weekly rainfall could amass about 5 to 8 inches across most of the area, with lower amounts projected for the northeast. The potential for a significant flooding event is a reality through the weekend, including threats like stream and river flooding, flooded roadways, mudslides, and rockslides.
