Full Notification

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for... Burke County in western North Carolina... McDowell County in western North Carolina...

* Until 500 PM EST.

* At 1116 AM EST, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 3 and 4 inches of rain have fallen since earlier this morning. Additional rainfall amounts of 2 to 3 inches are possible in the warned area. Onset flash flooding is developing and significant flash flooding is expected to begin shortly. This will be a prolonged event with new areas of flash flooding developing throughout the afternoon hours. Significant rises and adjacent flooding of the upper Catawba River and the North Fork Catawba River will continue to develop this afternoon. Expect significant flows along smaller streams, including Buck Creek, Toms Creek, and North Muddy Creek, where flash flooding is already developing. Please seek higher ground immediately and stay away from flooded roads. Extreme caution while traveling is advised. HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding. SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges. IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, low-lying areas, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. Significant inundation of low-water crossings and several secondary roads is likely. Culvert and road washouts are possible. Campgrounds may experience significant flooding, capable of sweeping away campers and RVs.

* AFFECTED AREAS: BURKE, NC ... MCDOWELL, 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. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. Find an alternate route.