Flash flood watch in effect in WNC

“The forecast of up to 10 inches of rain in areas across Virginia could result in floods, power outages and a serious threat to life and property”.

Conditions briefly dry out a bit on Wednesday afternoon into Thursday, but that is only an interlude in what will be a very wet several days.

But a slow-moving series of tropical wet-weather systems promises to dump torrents of rain on Southern Vermont over the next few days.

Heavy rain triggered flash floods across heavily populated parts of the Eastern Seaboard overnight – and forecasters warn, there could be more to come.

Rain chances are high Thursday through the weekend. The nor’easter will only add to the wind and rain.

Counties affected by the flood watch are Alexander, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Henderson, Mitchell, McDowell, Rutherford, Polk and Yancy.

A high rip current risk remained in effect through Wednesday night along the entire New Jersey coast. Northeast winds gusting to 46 miles per hour are expected Thursday, with seas building to 9 to 13 feet. Narrow bands of 4 to 6 inches of rain are also likely.

The National Weather Service has issued the flood watch for Avery, Alexander, Buncombe, Burke, Henderson, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford and Yancey counties.

Major tidal flooding is most likely around high tides. The rain could lead to local flooding in areas with poor drainage.

Stay with News 2 on-air, online, and on mobile for continuing coverage of this breaking weather situation, including updated rainfall forecasts and emergency preparations.