Storms Send Rivers and Creeks Over their Banks

By Heather Canter

In recent weeks, Ashe County and the surrounding region have seen heavy rains and severe thunderstorms.

Many of the storms have produced destructive lightning and tornado warnings.

Area residents haven't usually worried much about tornados; however, with the recent touchdown and destruction from a tornado in neighboring Alleghany County a few weeks ago, many residents are more aware of the potential.

The strong storms have done their fair share of damage even without a tornado. A home and a factory in Watauga County was struck by lightning causing some damage and costing money.

Recently, area creeks and streams were pushed out of their banks by the pouring rains and flooded roads and bridges. Local fire departments and emergency personnel have been on alert and have been out on calls to set up barricades in flooded areas and to control traffic in the areas.

The Department of Transportation kept busy during the storms, clearing debris from roadways and bridges and cleaning up mud slides caused by torrential rains pounding on the already soaked banks and hills.

According to the Weather Center in Blacksburg, Va., and Weather Underground, we have gotten 6.48 inches of rain between May 1 and June 30. This is a dramatic increase over the amount received last year in the same time period, when we received 1.92 inches.

Despite the flooding, the rain was needed as the area has been in a drought for quite a while. The area is already in need of more rain as gardens are trying to grow, but are appearing a bit too dusty.

Regardless of what the weather is, always be alert and know what the forecast says. Make sure you and your family have plans for any type of serious weather conditions such as flooding, tornadoes, high winds, severe thunder storms and more. Keep extra supplies on hand such as flashlights, canned food, bottled water and other necessary items.