Worst flooding since 1979 hits Mount Airy, leaves damage across Surry CountySurry County remains under a state of emergency as officials respond to the aftermath of historic flooding that prompted multiple water rescues and caused widespread damage. Surry County remains under a state of emergency as officials respond to the aftermath of historic flooding that prompted multiple water rescues and caused widespread damage. Surry County remains under a state of emergency as officials respond to the aftermath of historic flooding that prompted multiple water rescues and caused widespread damage. Surry County remains under a state of emergency as officials respond to the aftermath of historic flooding that prompted multiple water rescues and caused widespread damage. According to Mount Airy Rescue Squad Chief Corey B. Scearce, the historic flooding was the worst the area has experienced since September 1979.