Full Notification

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for... Polk County in western North Carolina... Rutherford County in western North Carolina...

* Until 715 PM EST Tuesday.

* At 1125 AM EST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 3 and 6 inches of rain have fallen since early Tuesday 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 Green River, Broad River, Second Broad River and associated tributaries will continue to develop this afternoon. Expect significant flows along smaller streams, including White Oak Creek, Catheys Creek, Cleghorn Creek, and Cove Creek. Significant releases from Lake Lure may be necessary later this afternoon. Please seek higher ground immediately and stay away from flooded roads. Campground residents and visitors are encouraged to seek higher ground until streams crest and recede on Wednesday. Extreme caution while traveling is advised. HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding. SOURCE...Radar. 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.

* Some locations that may experience significant flash flooding include... Forest City, Rutherfordton, Columbus, Spindale, Tryon, Lake Lure, Saluda, Ellenboro, Bostic, Chimney Rock Village, Chimney Rock State Park, Bat Cave, South Mountains State Park, Alexander Mills, Green Hill, Union Mills, Shingle Hollow, Thermal City, Green Creek and Harris.

* AFFECTED AREAS: 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. 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. Flooding is occurring or is imminent. It is important to know where you are relative to streams, rivers, or creeks which can become killers in heavy rains. Campers and hikers should avoid streams or creeks.