Full Notification

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for... northwestern Rutherford County in western North Carolina... eastern Henderson County in western North Carolina... Polk County in western North Carolina... southeastern Buncombe County in western North Carolina...

* until 145 am EDT.

* At 948 PM EDT, a very serious flash flooding and landslide situation has developed across western Polk County over the past few hours, with additional flash flooding and isolated landslides likely to spread to neighboring areas of northwestern Rutherford, eastern Henderson, and southeastern Buncombe counties through midnight or later. Doppler radar and rain gages have indicated 4 to 6 inches of rain in extreme western Polk County over the past 6 hours, with 1 to 3 inches in surrounding locations. Additional showers and thunderstorms producing rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour will be possible through at least midnight and additional flash flooding and landslide may occur.

* Some locations that will experience flooding include... Hendersonville, Columbus, Flat Rock, Fairview in Buncombe County, Tryon, Saluda, Chimney Rock State Park, Bat Cave, Mill Spring and Tuxedo. Landslides will be most common along and near the Saluda grade and surround areas in western Polk County. Flooding will be most likely in Polk County along the Green River, North Pacolet river, Little Cove creek, Silver Creek and Panther Creek. Expect flooding in northwest Rutherford County along Cove Creek, Cade creek, and other tributaries that feed Lake Lure. Buncombe County flooding will be most likely along Rock Creek and Laurel Creek east of Fairview. Henderson County flooding will be most likely in the eastern half from Hendersonville to south of Edneyville.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Do not attempt to cross water-covered roadways, bridges, or low-level crossings. Only a few inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away your vehicle. It is not Worth the risk. Please turn around, don't drown. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.

The additional heavy rain will increase the risk of landslides, especially in areas where slides have occurred in the past. Be especially alert if you are near a stream, especially at the base of a mountain or in a Cove. Watch for loose-moving soil and rocks or a sudden increase in streamflow. Leave the area quickly if this is observed. When driving along roads where the terrain is steep or rocky, watch and listen for Falling Rocks, mud, trees and other debris.