Full Notification

...The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a Flood Advisory for the following rivers in North Carolina... South Fork Catawba River At Lowell affecting Gaston County. .Heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Debby has ended across the South Fork Catawba River watershed, but basin-wide storm-total accumulations of 2 to 5.5 inches were observed earlier Thursday. The heaviest rainfall accumulations occurred across Lincoln and Gaston counties toward the bottom of the watershed with amounts closer to 2-3 inches near the basin headwaters in Catawba County. This means the South Fork Catawba River near Lowell and Cramerton rose rapidly in response to the heavy rainfall across the lower part of the basin and is now rising more slowly as it receives the high flows from lower accumulations further upstream. The river is therefore expected to approach Action/Advisory Stage later this evening and exceed its banks in locations below Cramerton near Riverside Park. It is possible the river may continue to rise near the Minor Flood Stage of 10 feet overnight tonight which would result in slightly more widespread lowland flooding in the Cramerton area. Stay aware of the latest forecasts for any changes to the forecast crest over the next several hours.

* WHAT...Nuisance to Minor flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.

* WHERE...South Fork Catawba River at Lowell.

* WHEN...From this afternoon to early tomorrow afternoon.

* IMPACTS...At 9.0 feet, Action/Advisory Stage. South Fork Catawba River floodwaters begin to enter Riverside Park in Cramerton. At 10.0 feet, Minor Flood Stage. South Fork Catawba River floodwaters are beginning to inundate Goat Island Park. More significant inundation is beginning to occur at Riverside Park. Floodwaters are approaching Riverside Dr near 5th and 6th Streets in Cramerton.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 1:15 PM EDT Thursday the stage was 8.0 feet and rising slowly. - Action/Advisory Stage is 9.0 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 9.2 feet this evening. Additional rises to near 10.0 feet are possible overnight tonight. Stay aware of stream levels tonight and be prepared for a forecast update with a higher crest. - Action/Advisory Stage is 9.0 feet. - Minor Flood Stage is 10.0 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

* AFFECTED AREAS: GASTON, NC

Instructions:

If you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and find an alternative route. Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks. If you are in the advisory area, remain alert to possible flooding or the possibility of the advisory being upgraded to a warning. For detailed information including observed and forecast stages, flood impacts, flood history, FEMA Flood Hazard Layers, and more, please visit: https://water.noaa.gov/wfo/gsp. The next statement will be issued Friday morning at 1100 AM EDT.