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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].

(Credit: WLOS Staff)

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA (WLOS) — The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has reported a magnitude 4.1 earthquake that struck 20 kilometers southeast of Greenback, Tennessee, early this morning, and viewers in Western North Carolina reported definitely felt it.

The seismic event occurred along the North Carolina and Tennessee border, across southwestern North Carolina, and the USGS reports the quake was 24.9 km deep, which is 15.4 miles deep. According to the USGS, the strongest reported quake in Asheville was a magnitude 5.5 that happened in 1916.

Share your experiences of the earthquake at our Chime In feature on our website.

The earthquake sent shock waves through the region, with residents feeling tremors in several nearby areas.

Initial reports indicate that the earthquake caused widespread shaking throughout Tennessee and parts of North Carolina, with many residents in cities like Knoxville and Asheville experiencing noticeable tremors. Emergency services have not reported any major damage or casualties, though local authorities are assessing the situation to ensure public safety.

The USGS has confirmed that the quake was a result of tectonic movements along the Appalachian Mountains, a region not typically known for frequent seismic activity.

Many viewers were sharing their experiences of the earthquake on the WLOS News 13 Facebook page. Viewers from Asheville, Franklin, Waynesville, Hendersonville and Arden reported about the earthquake. One viewer in Spartanburg, South Carolina, also reported feeling the quake, as well as one in Seneca, South Carolina.

Our friends at station WTVC in Chattanooga, Tennessee, also reported on the earthquake. Click here for the story.

As of now, aftershocks have been minimal, but authorities are urging residents to remain cautious. The National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) is continuing to monitor the situation, providing updates as more information becomes available.

For those in the affected areas, it is recommended to stay away from damaged buildings and be prepared for possible aftershocks in the coming hours. Local officials are working to keep residents informed and safe while investigations into the quake's impact continue.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — The North Carolina Department of Transportation said in a May 8 news release that it will be conducting what it calls the final closure of a section of Interstate 40 West in Asheville.

The closure from the Hendersonville Road exit (exit 50) to Interstate 26, is set to begin at 8 p.m. May 9. The NCDOT said the section will reopen at 6 a.m. May 12.

NCDOT UNVEILS UPDATED I-26 CONNECTOR PLANS AT DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE MEETING

According to the release the closure will allow contract crews to perform rehabilitation operations on bridges. Crews from DBA Harrison Construction Company of Asheville will be working on the westbound bridge over the French Broad River, the release said.

A detour will be in place and will utilize I-240 West starting at Exit 53B. Digital signs across the area will notify motorists to use I-240 West instead of I-40 West.

The Brevard Road on ramp to I-40 West will also be closed with traffic detoured to utilize the I-240 West detour route.

NEW LANES ON I-26 WEST TO OPEN APRIL 10, PROMISING RELIEF FROM YEARS OF HEAVY CONGESTION

The NCDOT said this is the final scheduled weekend closure for this project, with all other tasks being completed at night.

Planned operations this weekend include bridge joint repairs to both bridges. The contractor faces liquidated damages if the interstate remains closed beyond 6 a.m.

This $27.9 million interstate rehabilitation project includes roadway resurfacing and bridge overlays. It will also address spalling concrete on bridge substructure components — including the piers — and improve the riding surface of the four I-40 bridges over Hominy Creek and two bridges over the French Broad River. The contract calls for completion in the spring of 2026.

Asheville, North Carolina, is sending a clear message: the city is open for visitors.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — As summer vacation season approaches, small businesses in western North Carolina are eager to welcome guests back after last year's historic flooding from Hurricane Helene.

Nestled along the banks of the French Broad River, Wrong Way River Lodge and Cabins stands as a symbol of Asheville's resilience.

Co-owner Shelton Steele recalled the shock of Helene.

"No one can expect a storm of that magnitude," Steele said. "That's the highest recorded flood in history for the French Broad River. So we saw the projections and knew that it was gonna be high, but it far exceeded everyone's expectations."

Despite the elevated design that spared Wrong Way from catastrophic structural damage, the financial toll was severe.

"Like all of Asheville, we were closed in October and that's our breadbasket month," Steele explained. "No revenue in the month of October was crippling."

Credit: WCNC Charlotte

Steele remains optimistic about the months ahead. He emphasizes that Asheville's unique blend of outdoor adventure and vibrant downtown culture is ready for visitors.

"I just want you to know that we're open and we're here and we're welcoming everyone back with open arms," he said. "We are a visitor economy. We need people to come here, stay in our hotels like this one, eat at our restaurants, go to the Biltmore Estate, and really kind of stand this community back up so that all the small businesses that make us the vibrant community that we are can come back to life."

Steele describes Wrong Way's 16 A-frame cabins as a hybrid between a hotel and a campground, offering "the personality of a campground" with the comforts of a hotel room. The cabins feature reclaimed wood, record players, games, and a design blend of Scandinavian and Appalachian styles.

Steele said it's all about the idea of slowing down to reconnect with what matters most. Tourists who have returned are finding plenty to do, from open restaurants to accessible hiking trails.

"I'm hoping that we're busy again," Steele said. "That's kids running up and down our property, that's the greenway full of people running and walking, we see folks on the river. A bustling downtown, that's kind of the heartbeat of Asheville. Tourism is really what makes Asheville work and so I'm looking forward to seeing everyone come back."

Tourism officials in Asheville recommend planning ahead and using interactive maps and search tools to make the most of a visit.

Contact Jane Monreal at [email protected] and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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