Flash Flood Watch - Thursday Morning Through Friday

WHAT: Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. Ple as a use caution and call 9-1-1 for all emergencies. *

WHERE...Portions of northeast Georgia, western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina, including the following areas, in northeast Georgia, Habersham and Rabun. In western North Carolina, Avery, Buncombe, Burke Mountains, Caldwell Mountains, Eastern McDowell, Eastern Polk, Graham, Greater Burke, Greater Caldwell, Greater Rutherford, Haywood, Henderson, Macon, Madison, McDowell Mountains, Mitchell, Northern Jackson, Polk Mountains, Rutherford Mountains, Southern Jackson, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey. In upstate South Carolina, Greenville Mountains, Oconee Mountains and Pickens Mountains. * WHEN...Through Friday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. *

ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Widespread rain with embedded thunderstorms will affect the mountains and foothills today and tonight with rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches in the southerly upslope areas. Some locations could receive up to five inches of rain. Lesser amounts are expected along the Tennessee border. Although it had been relatively dry this month, rainfall over the last several days has increased the soil moisture and raised the threat for enough runoff to lead to flash flooding in the Watch area. -

For flood safety information, please see http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: 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.