Weather
East Coast Storm Update Oct. 13: Isaias Rain Tops 9 Inches in NC
Asheville, NC – Parts of North Carolina are assessing the aftermath of Post Tropical Cyclone Isaias after the storm delivered more than 9 inches of rain and wind gusts reaching 67 mph during October 9
By Caleb Mercer · 2026-10-14T00:19:43.713Z
Asheville, NC – Parts of North Carolina are assessing the aftermath of Post Tropical Cyclone Isaias after the storm delivered more than 9 inches of rain and wind gusts reaching 67 mph during October 9 12, with some of the highest totals concentrated in the western mountains.
According to the National Weather Service Eastern Region Headquarters, Isaias produced significant rainfall and gusty winds across the central and southern Appalachians, affecting communities from North Carolina and South Carolina into Virginia, West Virginia and other eastern states.
North Carolina Records More Than 9 Inches of Rain
Preliminary rainfall reports show 9.49 inches near Spruce Pine in western North Carolina, one of the highest totals listed by the weather service.
Other significant rainfall measurements included:
Jonas Ridge, NC: 9.21 inches Seven Devils, NC: 9.08 inches Little Switzerland, NC: 8.79 inches Grandfather Mountain, NC: 8.60 inches Asheville, NC: 4.41 inches Outside North Carolina, rainfall reached 6.59 inches at Caesars Head, South Carolina, and 6.61 inches near Woolwine, Virginia.
Mountain Wind Gusts Reach 67 MPH
The strongest reported wind gust occurred at Mount Mitchell, North Carolina, reaching 67 mph during October 9 11.
Banner Elk and Taterhill each recorded 60 mph gusts, while Asheville reached 47 mph.
Additional gusts included 46 mph at Mountain Lake, Virginia, and 41 mph near Long Creek, South Carolina.
Storm Impacts Extended Across the East
Isaias also produced measurable rainfall farther north, including 3.83 inches in Shiloh, Pennsylvania, 2.09 inches in Philadelphia and 1.84 inches in New York City's Central Park.
The National Weather Service noted that the 2026 version of Isaias brought primarily rainfall to parts of Long Island, unlike the 2020 storm, which caused extensive tree damage from strong winds.
All reported rainfall and wind measurements remain preliminary and may be revised as additional storm data is reviewed.