ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Emergency officials are urging residents to prepare for potentially severe weather over the weekend, as saturated ground and forecasted storms could increase the risk of flash flooding and downed trees.

Madison County Emergency Management said Friday that repeated rainfall over the past week has left local soils saturated, limiting their ability to absorb more precipitation. While widespread river flooding is not expected, officials warned of possible localized flash flooding and water ponding on roads and driveways.

“Turn around, don’t drown,” officials cautioned, advising drivers to avoid crossing any water-covered roadways.

Severe thunderstorms are likely throughout the weekend, especially during the afternoon and evening hours. The storms may bring damaging wind gusts, increasing the risk of downed trees and power lines. In the event of an outage, officials recommend disconnecting large appliances and checking on neighbors who rely on powered medical devices.

A hazardous weather update from North Carolina Emergency Management on Friday noted that flash flooding remains a threat across the mountains through the weekend, and the risk could expand across much of the state by Monday. Additionally, heat advisories remain in effect through Friday evening for many parts of the state.

According to the National Weather Service, a weak cold front will move through the region Monday night into Tuesday, which may bring a temporary drop in temperatures to more seasonable levels by midweek.

Forecast highlights for the Asheville area:

  • Friday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 9 p.m. with heavy rainfall possible. Patchy fog after 4 a.m. Low around 68.
  • Saturday: Thunderstorms likely, mainly before 5 p.m. High near 88. Chance of rain is 80%.
  • Saturday night: Continued storm chances before 1 a.m. Low around 68.
  • Sunday: More storms expected, particularly after 4 p.m. High near 90. Chance of rain is 60%.
  • Sunday night: Storms likely before 2 a.m., tapering off overnight. Low around 69.

Residents are encouraged to monitor weather updates, prepare emergency supplies, and plan weekend activities accordingly.

For more information and weather updates, visit ReadyNC.gov/weather.