Written by Sunday, 2nd, August 2026
SURRY COUNTY, N.C. – Residents in northeastern Surry County are being urged to seek higher ground immediately after the National Weather Service in Blacksburg issued a Flash Flood Emergency overnight for areas surrounding Mountain Airy and Pilot Mountain.
The warning, issued at 12:32 a.m. EDT Sunday, remains in effect until 8:30 a.m. EDT.
According to the National Weather Service, between 4 and locally 7 inches of rain have fallen across eastern Surry County, western Stokes County, and southwest Patrick County since approximately 8:00 p.m. Saturday, resulting in catastrophic flash flooding.
Emergency officials report numerous water rescues are already underway in the Mount Airy and Pilot Mountain areas as rapidly rising floodwaters continue to threaten home, businesses, and roadways.
Several waterways are rising at an alarming rate and have already overflowed their banks, including:
- Rutledge Creek
- Seed Cane Creek
- Faulkner Creek
- Ararat River
Floodwaters have surrounded nearby homes, creating dangerous conditions for resident throughout the affected communities.
Officials say several roads are expected to be flooded and impassible, including:
- East Pine Street
- Riverside Drive
- Westfield Road
- Welcome Baptist Church Road
Additional road closures are possible as floodwaters continue to rise.
FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY
The National Weather Service emphasized that this is not a routine Flash Flood Warning, but a Flash Flood Emergency — the highest level of flash flood alert issued only during exceptionally dangerous, life-threatening flooding.
Communities expected to be impacted include:
- Mount Airy
- Pilot Mountain
- Flat Rock
- Cana
- Woodville
- Ararat
- Westfield
Flooding is also occurring along numerous streams and creeks, including Big Creek, Bull Creek, Archies Creek, and the Ararat River.
SAFETY INFORMATION
Residents in the warning area should:
- Move immediately to higher ground.
- Avoid all unnecessary travel.
- Never drive through flooded roadways.
- Obey all road closures and barricades.
- Be especially cautious overnight when floodwaters are more difficult to see.
The National Weather Service warns that most flood-related fatalities occur in vehicles and reminds motorists:
“Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
Officials stress that anyone living near creeks, streams, or low-lying areas should be prepared to move to higher ground immediately if floodwaters begin to rise.
Residents are encouraged to closely monitor local emergency management officials and weather updates throughout the morning as this life-threatening flooding event continues.