Full Notification

...MODERATE TO HEAVY RAINFALL THIS MORNING MAY PRODUCE FLOODING ACROSS PARTS OF THE WESTERN CAROLINAS AND NORTHEAST GEORGIA... .A low pressure system approaching from the west early this morning continues to pump abundant moisture into the southern Appalachians and surrounding areas. Southeasterly winds ahead of the system will wring out moderate to heavy rainfall across the eastern slopes of the southern Appalachians and the adjacent foothills. The duration of the rainfall may permit flooding along streams, creeks, and main-stem rivers within the Watch area. ...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT THIS MORNING... The Flood Watch continues for

* portions of northeast Georgia, western North Carolina, and upstate South Carolina, including the following areas, in northeast Georgia, Elbert, Franklin, Habersham, Hart, Rabun, and Stephens. In western North Carolina, Avery, Buncombe, Burke Mountains, Caldwell Mountains, Eastern McDowell, Eastern Polk, Greater Burke, Greater Caldwell, Greater Rutherford, Henderson, Macon, McDowell Mountains, Mitchell, Northern Jackson, Polk Mountains, Rutherford Mountains, Southern Jackson, Transylvania, and Yancey. In upstate South Carolina, Anderson, Greater Greenville, Greater Oconee, Greater Pickens, Greenville Mountains, Oconee Mountains, Pickens Mountains, and Spartanburg.

* until 8 AM EDT this morning

* Abundant moisture ahead of a low pressure system slowly approaching from the west will yield moderate to heavy rainfall across the eastern slopes of the southern Appalachians and adjacent foothills early this morning. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches may fall on locations already saturated by some 2 to 4 inches of rain that has fallen over the past 24 hours, with the greatest totals occurring across the eastern slopes of the extreme southern Appalachians from Clayton, Georgia to Brevard, North Carolina.

* Flooding may develop along streams, creeks, and main stem rivers. Flooding is most likely along the upper reaches of the French Broad River and its associated tributaries. Flooding will also be quite possible along the Saluda River in Upstate South Carolina as well as the western Catawba River chain in the North Carolina foothills. Flooding from the heavy rainfall could linger into Tuesday or beyond, especially along any main stem rivers that flood.

* AFFECTED AREAS: ELBERT ... FRANKLIN ... HABERSHAM ... HART ... RABUN ... STEPHENS

Instructions:

A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts of heavy rainfall. You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Consider moving vehicles and other property from known, flood-prone areas. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take quick action should flooding develop, including fleeing to higher ground.