The National Weather Service issued hazardous weather outlooks for Western North Carolina Monday morning, May 12, warning of several days of rainfall that could bring flooding to the region.
Here's what to expect over the course of the rainy week ahead.
Hazardous weather in Asheville, NC
At 4:11 a.m. on Monday, May 12, the NWS issued a notice for the WNC area, as well as the Western Piedmont area, warning of waves of showers and a few thunderstorms producing periodic heavy rainfall through the day and overnight. This could result in isolated minor flooding of some urban and poor drainage areas, as well as elevated stream levels.
The heavy rainfall threat continues through early Tuesday, with continued potential for isolated areas of nuisance to minor flooding possible.
How much rain will Asheville get? Flood risks in Asheville, Western NC
NWS Meteorologist Doug Outlaw told the Citizen Times that accumulation over the next several days is expected to be high - particularly in certain areas of the region - between this morning, Monday, May 12, and Tuesday, May 13.
"Total rain is going to be about 2 inches at the higher elevations to the east of Asheville. Towards Mount Mitchell, there's going to be a lot more," Outlaw said.
He added that Black Mountain and surrounding areas could see closer to 3-3.5 inches during the same period.
When will the rain end?
Outlaw said that rain could continue through Wednesday, May 14, stopping Wednesday night. On Thursday, May 15, a slight chance of showers resumes.
As of Monday, the NWS is also predicting continued chances of showers and thunderstorms on Friday afternoon and through Saturday, May 16-17.
Asheville weather this week
The NWS predicts the following throughout the week as per their seven-day forecast:
Monday, May 12: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, some storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 69 degrees. Southeast wind around 10 mph, gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 0.5-.75 inches possible.
Overnight, showers and possibly a thunderstorm continue before 5 a.m., then a chance of showers - some storms could produce further heavy rainfall. Low around 60 degrees. Southeast wind 5-7 mph, gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 0.75-1 inch possible.
Tuesday, May 13: Chance of showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 8 a.m. High near 73 degrees. Calm wind becoming south southeast 5-7 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Overnight, the chance of showers and thunderstorms continues. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 55 degrees. Light south southeast wind. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday, May 14: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 74. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Overnight, a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 p.m., then a slight chance of showers between 11 p.m.-3 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 58 degrees. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Thursday, May 15: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85 degrees.
Overnight, mostly cloudy, with a low around 63 degrees.
Friday, May 16: A 50% chance of showers after 8 a.m. Otherwise partly sunny, with a high near 86. Overnight, 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms continues. Otherwise mostly cloudy, with a low around 63 degrees.
Saturday, May 17: Showers likely, with a 70% chance of precipitation as of Monday. Partly sunny, with a high near 83 degrees. Overnight, a 40% chance of showers continues. Otherwise partly cloudy, with a low around 58 degrees.
Sunday, May 18: 30% chance of showers. Otherwise mostly sunny, with a high near 83 degrees.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].