May 27, 2022
An upper level low pressure system passed east up the Ohio River Valley early on the 27th, resulting in strong south to southeasterly windflow across northwest North Carolina. A 35-knot low level jet carried deep tropical moisture northward, with precipitable water values rising into the 1.6 to 1.7 inch range along the Blue Ridge in northwest North Carolina. Orographic lift enhanced rainfall amounts, especially across Watuaga County, where the headwaters of the Watauga River observed totals ra
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 1019673). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.
This event is one of many recorded floods in Watauga County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.