Winter Weather Advisory - Monday, January 8, 2024 - Tuesday, January 9, 2024

The National Weather Service has issued the following Hazardous Weather Outlook: 

• WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 AM EST TUESDAY.
• FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING.
• WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM EST TUESDAY.

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for western North Carolina. It is anticipated that Lake Lure will receive significant amounts of rain in a very short period.  

Please secure your outdoor personal property.  Ensure your boats are secure at varying lake levels and bilge pumps are fully operational. 

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 AM EST TUESDAY.

* WHAT: Freezing rain expected. Total ice accumulations of one to two-tenths of an inch. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph.

* WHERE: Portions of western North Carolina, mainly near the Blue Ridge Escarpment and the upper French Broad Valley.

* WHEN: From 9 PM this evening to 7 AM EST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS: Difficult travel conditions are possible. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute. Strong winds could cause extensive damage to trees and power lines.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS: A number of weather hazards will affect the mountains beginning tonight and continuing into Tuesday, but in particular, very heavy rain and very strong winds will be possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: A Winter Weather Advisory for freezing rain means that periods of freezing rain or freezing drizzle will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving.

FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING.

* WHAT: Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible.

* WHERE: Portions of northeast Georgia, including the following areas, Habersham, Rabun and Stephens, western North Carolina, including the following areas, Eastern Polk, Greater Rutherford, Henderson, Macon, Polk Mountains, Rutherford Mountains, Southern Jackson and Transylvania, and upstate South Carolina, including the following areas, Central Greenville, Greater Oconee, Greater Pickens, Greenville Mountains, Northern Spartanburg, Oconee Mountains and Pickens Mountains.

* WHEN: From midnight EST tonight through Tuesday evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS: A powerful low-pressure system will spread heavy rain across the region beginning this evening and continuing into Tuesday. Rainfall amounts of 3 to 5 inches are expected across northeast Georgia, the northern Upstate north of Interstate 85, and the southern mountains of North Carolina. Some locations in the mountains could get 6 inches of rain. The threat of flash flooding has been increased given the recent rainfall in this area. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: A Flood Watch for flash flooding means there is a potential for rapid onset flooding based on current forecasts. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation and may impact areas that do not typically flood. Please monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared to take action quickly should Flash Flood Warnings be issued. Rainfall of more than five inches in similar storms has been associated with an increased risk of landslides and rockslides. If you live on a mountainside or in a cove at the base of a mountain, especially near a stream, be ready to leave in advance of the storm or as quickly as possible should rising water, moving earth, or rocks threaten. Consider postponing travel along mountain roads during periods of heavy rainfall.

WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM EST TUESDAY.

* WHAT: South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph expected.

* WHERE: Portions of northeast Georgia, western North Carolina, and upstate South Carolina.

* WHEN: From 10 AM to 10 PM EST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS: Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

* PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Secure outdoor objects. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite source of weather information for the latest updates. Additional details can be found at www.weather.gov/gsp. A Wind Advisory means that winds of 35 mph or greater are expected. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.