Flash Floods and Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Issued for Western North Carolina

Photo byNational Weather Service

Heavy Rains and Severe Weather Pose Flooding and Safety Risks

Greenville-Spartanburg, SC – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued several hazardous weather warnings, including a Flash Flood Warning and a Severe Thunderstorm Watch, affecting multiple counties in western North Carolina. The alerts highlight the potential for significant weather disruptions due to heavy rain, strong winds, and hail.

Flash Flood Warning in Effect for Henderson County

As of 6:59 PM EDT, a Flash Flood Warning is in place for central Henderson County. Doppler radar reports indicate that thunderstorms have produced between 2 to 4 inches of rain since 5:30 PM, with additional rainfall expected. The warning is set to remain in effect until 11:00 PM EDT, and flash flooding is anticipated in low-lying areas, creeks, and urban locations, including the city of Hendersonville.

Residents are urged to avoid flooded areas and exercise caution, as most flood-related fatalities occur in vehicles. The areas most at risk include Perry Creek, Shaw Creek, and South Fork Big Willow Creek, along with urban and poor drainage areas.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Multiple Counties

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for several counties, including Buncombe, Cleveland, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, and Transylvania. This watch is in effect until 11:00 PM EDT, indicating the possibility of severe weather conditions, such as damaging winds and hail.

The NWS has emphasized the potential for thunderstorms to become severe, posing threats such as frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, torrential rain, and hail up to the size of quarters. The most significant risk includes strong to damaging wind gusts, especially as clusters of thunderstorms move into western North Carolina from east Tennessee.

Precautions and Spotter Information

The NWS advises residents to take precautions, such as securing outdoor objects, staying indoors during thunderstorms, and avoiding travel on flooded roads. Weather spotters are requested to report any incidents of large hail, damaging winds, or flash flooding to the NWS office.

Local authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to respond to emergencies. The community is encouraged to stay informed through local news channels and weather updates.