LENOIR, N.C. — The National Weather Service estimates 1 to 4 inches of rain have fallen since Thursday night in several mountain counties causing some rivers to flood.
The excessive rain and runoff has led to messy roadways.
Friday afternoon, runoff was rushing across all lanes of highway 321 just North of Lenoir. The rain there also knocking out power to the traffic signal at the intersection of highway 321 at McLean Street.
The rain also submerged the Lenoir Golf Course in several feet of water.
In Boone, water made its way across Bamboo Road near the airport.
“And that’s what scary is it coming out of the river banks and it flowing over the roads,” said Mitch Smith.
As of 9 a.m. Friday, the National Weather Service announced the Watagua River had already reached flood stage. Experts warned residents that even though the rain has stopped, flooding of streams and rivers will continue due to runoff. They also said the rain has elevated the risk for landslides.
In addition to rain, the storm also produced thunder. Local folklore says that if there’s thunder in December, big snow will follow in the next 10 days.
“Well lets hope that’s the case,” said Scott Ritter, who is visiting from South Florida and vacationing in Beech Mountain for the holidays.