Full Notification

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.

* WHERE...A portion of western North Carolina, including the following counties, Buncombe, Henderson, McDowell and Rutherford.

* WHEN...Until 830 PM EDT Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Nuisance flooding of low-lying areas adjacent to streams and other poor-drainage areas, including farmland, parks, greenways, boat-access areas, golf courses, underpasses, and parking lots. Isolated, shallow flows over roadways is possible. A few flood-prone, low-water crossings may become impassible. A small culvert washout or two is possible.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 229 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to training thunderstorms. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen and additional rainfall is likely. Nuisance to Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the Advisory area, impacting area streams with rapid rises and out-of-bank conditions, causing flooding of adjacent low- lying areas. The area of greatest concern is in the Hickory Nut Gorge from Gerton to Edneyville to Chimney Rock to Lake Lure. People near streams, including the Rocky Broad River, should seek higher ground in case rapid rises overwhelm adjacent low-lying areas. - Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected over the area. This will increase the risk for flooding. If storm-total rainfall amounts exceed 3-4 inches over the next 30-60 minutes, more significant flooding may develop and a Flash Flood Warning may be issued. Caution is advised near any stream or other vulnerable area. Seek higher ground immediately if streams start to rise. Please have a plan in place should flash flooding develop and do not hesitate to act. - Some locations that may experience flooding include... Fairview In Buncombe County, Lake Lure, Chimney Rock Village, Chimney Rock State Park, Bat Cave, Shingle Hollow, Green Hill, Sugar Hill, Thermal City, Union Mills, Fero, Glenwood, Gerton, Edneyville, Dysartsville and Sunshine. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

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

Instructions:

Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads. 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.