Full Notification

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has extended the

* Flash Flood Warning for... Southeastern Buncombe County in western North Carolina... Eastern Henderson County in western North Carolina... Southwestern McDowell County in western North Carolina... Western Polk County in western North Carolina... Northwestern Rutherford County in western North Carolina...

* Until 500 PM EST.

* At 152 PM EST, Doppler radar indicates the heaviest rainfall has shifted well to the north and east of the Blue Ridge Escarpment between Tryon and Lake Tahoma. The worst of the rainfall is over for this event and no additional significant rainfall is expected through this evening. However, storm-total rainfall of 3-6" has caused numerous streams across the area from Hendersonville, to Black Mountain, to Chimney Rock to rise above bankfull and continue to flood adjacent low lying areas. Isolated road closures have been reported within the Warning area. Additional areas of Minor flooding are likely to develop as streams continue to rise. It will take a few more hours for streams to crest and begin to recede. Therefore, the Flash Flood Warning will continue through the afternoon hours. HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Heavy rain producing flash flooding. SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges. IMPACT...Isolated, life-threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams is likely, impacting low-water crossings, roadways adjacent to streams, and some structures within the adjacent flood plain. Significant flooding of flood-prone areas including parks, greenways, farmland, and boat access areas is ongoing.

* Some locations that may continue to experience flash flooding include... Hendersonville, Columbus, Flat Rock, Tryon, Lake Lure, Old Fort, Saluda, Chimney Rock Village, Bat Cave, Montreat, Gerton, Edneyville, Lake Adger, Dana, Pleasant Gardens, East Flat Rock and Busick.

* AFFECTED AREAS: BUNCOMBE, NC ... HENDERSON, NC ... MCDOWELL, NC ... POLK, NC ... RUTHERFORD, NC

Instructions:

Heavy rain is increasing 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. Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.