NWS Issues Flash Flood Watches in NC & Surrounding Areas

As Tropical Storm Debby wreaks havoc on North Carolina and South Carolina coastlines. More inland areas are being bombarded by heavy rainfall. It is advised not to drive or walk in flood waters. As the old adage says, "Don't drown, turn around."

Arby's in SC destroyed by rainwater from Tropical Storm Debby on August 7, 2024.Photo byMiguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/Getty Images

The National Weather Service has issued the following statement regarding flash flood warnings in the local area:

"The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...

Caswell County in north central North Carolina...

Rockingham County in north central North Carolina...

Stokes County in north central North Carolina...

* Until 415 PM EDT Thursday.

* At 824 AM EDT, The first very heavy rain bands of Tropical Storm

Debby are rotating northwest from central North Carolina into

north central and northwest North Carolina at this hour. Doppler

radar and automated rain gauges indicated rainfall of 2-4 inches

with local amounts of 5 inches common within these rain bands.

This will result in flooding. This prolonged period of heavy

rainfall will lead to Flash flooding and general flooding

throughout the Flood Warning area.

HAZARD...Considerable flash flooding is expected with Life

threatening flash flooding possible by afternoon.

SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges.

IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams,

urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...

Danville... Eden...

Reidsville... Wentworth...

Mayodan... Madison...

Yanceyville...

This includes the following streams and drainages...

Baker Branch, Benaja Creek, Big Creek, Big Beaver Island Creek,

Benton Branch and Belews Creek."

Resident of the Allen Circle neighborhood's homes are underwater after excessive rains caused flooding in Georgia from Tropical Storm Debby.Photo byMegan Varner/Getty Images

It is best to stay off the roads for the next 24 hours unless absolutely necessary. Flood waters can occur fast, and can overtake any vehicle. Please report any downed trees or powerlines to local authorities.