Flooding has caused major damage to public infrastructure throughout the entire City of Mount Airy, according to the emergency declaration.
MOUNT AIRY, N.C. — Surry County has declared a state of emergency following flash flooding that caused widespread damage across the county, according to a declaration signed by Board of Commissioners Chairman Bill Goins.
The declaration covers all areas within Surry County’s jurisdiction, including the Town of Pilot Mountain. It took effect August 1 at 10 p.m. and remains in effect until modified or rescinded. No restrictions or prohibitions — such as curfews, evacuations or restricted access — have been imposed at this time.
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The declaration states that Surry County received extreme rainfall causing flooding throughout the county, with flash flooding specifically in eastern Surry County that damaged homes and property and threatened lives and safety “due to the speed of the flooding.”
It further states that public safety authorities could be unable to maintain public order or provide adequate protection for lives or property without the declaration in place.
The county’s declaration follows a similar state of emergency declared by the City of Mount Airy after the same flooding event caused severe damage to the city’s Public Works building and vehicle fleet on East Pine Street. A city official told WFMY News 2 there is “at least” $5 million in damage to the city fleet alone, with only two vehicles confirmed to still be in working condition out of dozens.
The flooding was driven by the Ararat River, which rose more than 15 feet in a matter of hours overnight before cresting near 29 feet, according to a river gauge in Mount Airy. Surry County EMS confirmed multiple water rescues and at least four homes taking on water. No injuries or deaths have been reported.