Tropical moisture was forced northward from the Gulf of Mexico on May 23rd, overrunning a cold front draped across central North Carolina. High pressure extended southward across the Mid-Atlantic, wedged against the eastern face of the Appalachian chain, resulting in upslope east to southeasterly windflow from the Piedmont into the mountains. Atmospheric moisture was abundant, given strong southerly flow around low pressure near the Gulf coast transporting moist air rapidly northward, resulting in precipitable water values ranging from 1.3 to 1.5 inches across the mountains of western Virginia, roughly 2 standard deviations above normal for the month of May. Rainfall totals across the Upper Bluestone River and Wolf Creek basins varied from 2.5 to 3.5 inches over an 18 hour period. However, the stabilizing effect of the high pressure limited instability, preventing convective development. As such, rainfall was prolonged, however rainfall rates seldom exceeded 0.5 inches per hour.

Flood in GILES, VIRGINIA
From 24-MAY-22 07:45:00 to 24-MAY-22 12:05:00 (EST-5)
Location: NARROWS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The stream gauge located along Wolf Creek at Narrows (WOLV2, USGS:03175500) crested at 10.07 feet, less than a foot above the flood stage of 10.0 feet. The creek flowed out of its banks in spots, covering portions of Old Wolf Creek Road a few inches deep, with a couple homes about one half mile downstream of the gauge becoming surrounded by water. No damage was reported after the water receded.  This event resulted in an updated Flood-Impact statement for this gauge in NWS AHPS website.

Heavy Rain in TAZEWELL, VIRGINIA
From 23-MAY-22 07:00:00 to 24-MAY-22 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BURKES GARDEN
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The Cooperative Weather Observer at Burkes Garden, VA (BURV2) recorded at 24-hour rainfall total of 3.58 inches, which is the highest 1-day total ever for this station during the month of May, and the 6th-highest 1-day total all-time.  This 24-hour rainfall total is between a 5- and a 10-year event per NOAA Atlas 14 Point Precipitation Frequency estimates.  Runoff from this rainfall flows into the headwaters of Wolf Creek.

Heavy Rain in GILES, VIRGINIA
From 23-MAY-22 07:00:00 to 24-MAY-22 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: PENVIR
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

An automated weather station (Weather Underground: KVANARRO14) observed a 24-hour rainfall total, ending 8 AM EDT, of 3.99 inches. Rainfall rates remained mostly below 0.5 per hour but, at times, were as high as 1 per hour. This amount is between a 10- and 25-year rainfall event per NOAA Atlas 14 point frequency estimates for this duration. Runoff from this rainfall eventually flows into the Wolf Creek.

Flood in TAZEWELL, VIRGINIA
From 24-MAY-22 03:20:00 to 24-MAY-22 06:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: FALLS MILLS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The stream gauge located along Wolf Creek at Narrows (BRVV2, USGS:03177710) crested at 7.41 feet, less than a foot above the flood stage of 7.0 feet.  Minor lowland flooding was observed, with no damage reported.

Heavy Rain in TAZEWELL, VIRGINIA
From 23-MAY-22 07:00:00 to 24-MAY-22 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: HOCKMAN
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

An automated weather station (Weather Underground: KVABLUEF10) observed a 24-hour rainfall total, ending 8 AM EDT, of 3.40 inches. Rainfall rates remained mostly below 0.5 per hour, though at times increased to nearly 1 per hour. This amount is around a 10-year rainfall event per NOAA Atlas 14 point frequency estimates for this duration.