Flash flood emergency continues near Mount Airy and Pilot Mountain

A flash flood emergency remains in effect for northeastern Surry County until 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 2. The National Weather Service in Blacksburg says severe flooding continues around Mount Airy and Pilot Mountain after several creeks and rivers left their banks overnight.

In a 4:10 a.m. update, the weather service said numerous water rescues had occurred earlier in the night. The Ararat River at Mount Airy crested near 29 feet around 3 a.m. and was falling, but East Pine Street, Riverside Drive, Westfield Road and Welcome Baptist Church Road were among roads still reported flooded and impassable.

A separate flash flood warning covered parts of Surry and Stokes counties in North Carolina and Patrick County in Virginia into the early morning. A broader flood watch remains posted through late Sunday night for much of the region, including Surry, Stokes, Patrick, Henry and Roanoke-area communities.

The weather service advises people in the emergency area to remain on high ground and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. Never drive through floodwater or around barricades; darkness can make the depth and damage impossible to judge.

Star News TV shared the initial emergency bulletin on Facebook at 1:52 a.m. This report uses the weather service's newer 4:10 a.m. update.

Sources: National Weather Service Blacksburg flash flood emergency update, checked at 4:15 a.m. Aug. 2, 2026; NWS flood safety guidance; and the Star News TV Facebook bulletin. Original editorial SVG; it does not depict a specific flooded road.