Here’s a check of the latest from WataugaOnline.com.
Isaias is now a hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph, and the National Hurricane Center expects it to strengthen and approach the northern Gulf Coast as a strong hurricane on Friday. A Hurricane Warning is in effect from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to the Bay/Gulf County Line, Florida, and a Storm Surge Warning covers the Mouth of the Mississippi River to Steinhatchee, Florida, where life-threatening storm surge is expected. The National Weather Service in Blacksburg says the High Country stays dry through Friday, then areawide rain begins Saturday and continues into Sunday as Isaias’ remnants move north through the lower Mississippi Valley and the Ohio Valley. Forecasters expect 1 to 2 inches over 48 hours, which appears beneficial, so the flooding threat is low at this time, though localized higher amounts are possible along the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge. Sunday temperatures were also trimmed lower.
Blue Ridge Conservancy and landowners Alice and Ron Linville have completed a 121-acre conservation easement in Old Fields Township, Ashe County. The steep, fully forested property sits in the North Fork New River watershed, borders protected Bluff Mountain lands and includes headwater springs of Three Top Creek. The easement is meant to preserve the land’s natural features and improve water quality. Funding came from the N.C. Land and Water Fund and a landowner donation.
A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation will shift traffic on N.C. 184 in Avery County near Banner Elk, with flagging near Dobbins Road. The shift is set for Thursday, and drivers should expect periodic delays, including full stops while crews move equipment, plus a new 25 mph work-zone speed limit. The work is a culvert replacement over Hanging Rock Creek, damaged by Hurricane Helene, and is expected to finish later this year. Check DriveNC.gov for real-time conditions.
QUICK HITS
WEATHER
Check the current Hazardous Weather Outlook, live weather radar, and forecast for Watauga, Ashe, and Alleghany counties on our Weather page. Forecast courtesy of the National Weather Service.
Want your business in front of thousands of engaged High Country readers every day? Advertising space in this newsletter is open — email [email protected] to learn more.
Thanks for reading — see you tomorrow.
— WataugaOnline