WNC Weather Alert -- July 22, 2026: The National Weather Service office in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a Flood Watch for much of Western North Carolina from 8 p.m. Wednesday until 8 p.m. Thursday as a slow-moving weather system is expected to bring multiple rounds of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across the region.
Forecasters warn that repeated thunderstorms moving over the same areas could produce excessive rainfall, increasing the potential for flash flooding, rapid rises on creeks and streams, and flooding of low-lying and poor drainage areas.
Timing
Flood Watch Begins: 8:00 p.m. EDT Wednesday, July 22
Flood Watch Expires: 8:00 p.m. EDT Thursday, July 23
Thunderstorms are expected to increase in coverage late Wednesday afternoon and continue through the overnight hours into Thursday. The greatest flooding concern will occur where storms repeatedly track across the same locations.
Areas Included
The Flood Watch includes much of the mountain region of Western North Carolina, including:
Avery
Buncombe
Graham
Haywood
Henderson
Jackson
Macon
Madison
Mitchell
Swain
Transylvania
Yancey
Expected Hazards
According to the National Weather Service, storms may produce:
Heavy rainfall capable of causing flash flooding
Rapid rises on creeks, streams, and small rivers
Flooding of low-water crossings and flood-prone roadways
Damaging wind gusts in stronger thunderstorms
Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning
Isolated hail
Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected across portions of the region, with isolated locations potentially receiving more than 5 inches where thunderstorms repeatedly develop over the same area.
Safety Information
Residents in flood-prone areas should closely monitor weather conditions through Thursday. Drivers are urged to use caution and never attempt to cross flooded roadways. Water depth and road conditions can change rapidly, particularly after dark.
Anyone with outdoor plans should be prepared to seek shelter immediately if thunderstorms approach.
The National Weather Service emphasizes that a Flood Watch means conditions are favorable for flooding to develop. A Flash Flood Warning will be issued if flooding is imminent or already occurring.
WNC Times will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as additional watches, warnings, or advisories are issued.