Full Notification

...The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg SC has issued a Flood Warning for the South Fork Catawba River in North Carolina... At Lowell affecting Gaston County. .Two unique rounds of rainfall, one ongoing and continuing through early this afternoon resulting from tropical moisture interacting with a stationary front, and another beginning tonight and lasting through Friday morning associated with Hurricane Helene, are expected to result in significant rises within the South Fork Catawba River watershed. Storm-total rainfall across the watershed from the South Mountains to Cramerton is expected to reach 3-5 inches. The forecast crest has been increased from 10.7 feet to 14.1 feet because the previous forecast did not include the rainfall expected between Friday morning and Friday afternoon as it was beyond the forecast period. Note that, at high levels, the South Fork Catawba River is very sensitive to small changes in basin-averaged rainfall, which may result in notable changes to the forecast crest. There is a potential for crests to exceed the current forecast. Major flooding is possible. Please maintain awareness of the latest forecasts and plan NOW to respond in case more significant flooding is expected.

* WHAT...Moderate flooding is forecast.

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

* WHEN...From Friday morning to Sunday morning.

* IMPACTS...At 13.0 feet, Moderate Flood Stage. Unusual, damaging flooding is developing adjacent to the South Fork Catawba River with considerable impacts to property. Significant flooding of Goat Island Park and Riverside Park is ongoing. Floodwaters are threatening the Cramerton Fire Department and adjacent businesses. The river is approaching the crawl spaces of homes along Riverside Dr between 4th St and 5th St in Cramerton.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 1:15 AM EDT Thursday the stage was 3.7 feet and nearly flat. - Action/Advisory Stage is 9.0 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise above Minor Flood Stage late Friday morning to Moderate Flood Stage Friday afternoon and a crest of 14.1 feet by Friday evening. It will then fall below Minor Flood Stage late Saturday evening. NOTE: There is a potential for the crest to exceed the Major Flood Stage of 15.5 feet. - Minor Flood Stage is 10.0 feet. Moderate Flood Stage is 13.0 feet. Major Flood Stage is 15.5 feet. - Http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

* AFFECTED AREAS: GASTON, NC

Instructions:

Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks. Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. This warning will be in effect until the river falls below its Action/Advisory Stage. 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 before this afternoon at 245 PM EDT.