Full Notification

...Forecast flooding changed from Moderate to Major severity and increased in duration for the following rivers in North Carolina... South Fork Catawba River At Lowell affecting Gaston County. .Two unique rounds of rainfall, one ongoing 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 over 5 inches. The forecast crest has been increased from 14.7 feet to 16.6 feet. 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...Major flooding is forecast.

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

* WHEN...From late tonight to late Sunday evening.

* IMPACTS...At 15.5 feet, Major Flood Stage. South Fork Catawba River floodwaters may be inundating the Cramerton Fire Department, Cramerton Drug Store, South Fork Masonic Lodge, and adjacent homes and businesses along 8th Ave. and N. Main St. Floodwaters may be approaching the Cramerton Police Department. Flooding of Duharts Creek may be impacting adjacent sections of Mayflower Rd., and Cramer Mountain Rd. may be inundated with several inches of water. Impacts may be similar to those associated with flooding on March 21st, 2003. At 16.5 feet, Major Flooding continues. Several roads adjacent to the South Fork Catawba River in Cramerton and McAdenville will be inundated. Significant flooding of homes and businesses along the river may be ongoing. Additionally, floodwaters may be inundating parts of Lakeview Dr. in McAdenville and and Catawba Run in Lowell. Floodwaters may be impacting the Willow Rd. water treatment plant in McAdenville.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 3:15 PM EDT Thursday the stage was 6.8 feet. - Action/Advisory Stage is 9.0 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise above flood stage late tonight to a crest of 16.6 feet tomorrow evening. It will then fall below flood stage late Sunday morning. - 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:

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite source of weather information for the latest updates. Additional details can be found at www.weather.gov/gsp. When it is safe to do so, please report flooding or landslides threatening roads or property to the National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg by calling toll free, 1, 800, 2 6 7, 8 1 0 1, by posting on our Facebook page, or via X using hashtag NWSGSP. Your message should describe the specific location where impacts occurred and the depth of flooding observed. Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks. 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 this evening.Friday afternoon at 400 PM EDT.