Full Notification

Flood Warning for Buncombe County in western North Carolina Until 115 PM EST Friday.

* At 708 AM EST, Doppler radar indicated a series of heavy rain
showers moving repeatedly northeast across Buncombe County. These
showers were producing rainfall at rates in excess of one-half
inch per hour and this heavy rain was affecting locations that
have received 2 to 3 inches of rain over the past 24 hours. In
addition, a band of heavy showers will redevelop from the west
through the morning hours as a cold front approaches. This will
worsen existing flood problems and create new flooding through the
morning hours.

* Some locations that will experience flooding include...
Downtown Asheville, East Asheville, Arden, West Asheville, North
Asheville, Black Mountain, Woodfin, Swannanoa, Weaverville and
Fairview In Buncombe County. Flooding is most likely to develop
around Warren Wilson College on the Swannanoa River. Additional
flooding is likely along Cane Creek, Gap Creek, and Ashworth Creek
over the extreme southern end of the County.

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.

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.

Instructions:

DO NOT drive through flooded roadways, Turn Around Don’t Drown
Be prepared to seek higher ground and monitor local weather