Flood Watch - Wednesday, June 21, 2023 Through Thursday, June 22, 2023
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for our area through Thursday afternoon, 6/22/23. Crews are monitoring the storm and lake levels closely. Call 911 for any emergencies and do not try to cross flooded roadways.
* WHAT: Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible.
* WHERE: Portions of piedmont North Carolina and western North Carolina, including the following areas, in Piedmont North Carolina, Alexander. In western North Carolina, Avery, Buncombe, Burke Mountains, Caldwell Mountains, Eastern McDowell, Eastern Polk, Greater Burke, Greater Caldwell, Greater Rutherford, Henderson, McDowell Mountains, Mitchell, Polk Mountains, Rutherford Mountains and Yancey.
* WHEN: Through Thursday afternoon.
* IMPACTS: Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS: A low-pressure system remains near the southern Appalachians today, keeping a plume of deep moisture in place over the region. Numerous rounds of showers will continue to move over the area today, and likely continue tonight into Thursday, with periods of heavy rainfall expected. An additional 2 to 5 inches of rain will be possible over the area, with the highest amounts along and just east of the northern Blue Ridge mountains. This rain will fall on areas that have already received several inches of rain over the past 48 hours. This will likely cause new flash flooding to develop and the risk of landslides will be heightened.
For additional information on flood safety tips visit: 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.
Low-lying areas adjacent to streams, including campgrounds, are especially vulnerable to flooding. If you live or are vacationing next to a stream, please have a plan in place to seek higher ground once heavy rainfall develops. Flash floods can occur quickly and overwhelm adjacent low-lying areas with little warning. Once the stream starts to rise, you may only have minutes to evacuate. Flash floods can cause catastrophic damage and be powerful enough to sweep away campers, vehicles, and mobile homes. Consider temporarily relocating away from streams until the heavy rainfall threat passes.
