Flash Flood in Surry County, North Carolina

Dispatch reports of roads closed by high water started as early as noon with 13 roads reported closed at one time. The CREST hydrologic model indicated the highest runoff across western sections of Surry County. Two water rescues were rerported, one of those on Rockford Road just before reaching the Yadkin River bridge, and the other was on Longhill Road in the Pilot Mountain area. Flooding along Big Elkin creek flooded portions of the the Elkin High School athletic fields, the Elkin Park and closed Memorial Park Drive. There was damage in to walking trails in the park. In addition, flooding along the Mitchell River destroyed the historic Kapp's Mill dam in the Mountain Park area. The County was later included in a request by the state of North Carolina for a Presidential Major Disaster declaration.

Between two and four inches of rainfall occurred in the hours before and during the passage of Tropical Storm Zeta. The heavy rain caused widespread flooding of small creeks and streams, pushing many out of their banks. Several roads, both within the Dobson community and the surrounding area, were flooded and impassible until flooding receded. A few bridges were damaged or destroyed. Highway 601 was impassible due to flooding of Bear Creek, where one swift water rescue was performed for an automobile that became stranded in the flood waters. Fisher River Park was also closed due to flooding.

Between two and four inches of rainfall occurred in the hours before and during the passage of Tropical Storm Zeta. Multiple personal weather stations indicate that more than half of the rain fell within a 2-hour period as the center of the storm passed. The heavy rain caused widespread flooding of small creeks and streams, pushing many out of their banks. Several roads, both within the Ararat community and the surrounding area, were flooded and impassible until flooding receded. A few bridges were damaged or destroyed.