Full Notification

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

* WHERE...A portion of Burke and McDowell Counties in North Carolina.

* WHEN...Until 645 PM EDT Friday.

* IMPACTS...Several docks, access areas, swimming areas, and low-lying residential yards will likely flood. Some outbuildings, campgrounds, and roads may be impacted with shallow flooding. Residents are encouraged to heed guidance from local officials and emergency management on any potential impacts to property. Drivers are encouraged to heed any barricades and avoid all flooded areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 646 PM EDT, Rainfall accumulations of 4-8 inches Wednesday night into Thursday morning over the headwaters of the Catawba River and associated tributaries has caused high inflows into Lake James. Lake James is rising steadily in response to this rainfall where the current pool is 100.76 feet. Additional rises are expected over the next several hours, with Lake James likely to exceed the Minor Flood Stage of 102.0 feet. At this level, nuisance to Minor shoreline flooding and flooding of lake access areas, campgrounds, docks, swimming areas, and residential yards is expected. Caution is advised anywhere near such areas. Additional torrential, potentially devastating rainfall is expected later tonight through Thursday morning from Hurricane Helene. There is the potential for another 5-12 inches of rainfall from Lake Hickory to the Catawba River headwaters, with the highest totals along the Blue Ridge Escarpment. This rainfall will occur on saturated soils and excessive runoff into elevated streams will result in potentially catastrophic inflows into the Catawba River lakes. Based on current rainfall forecasts and conditions, Duke Energy expects Lake James to reach or exceed 110.0 feet later Friday, which is 10.0 feet over full pond. The current record pool elevation at Lake James is 107.36 feet which occurred in September 8, 2004 during Hurricane Frances. Major Flood Stage is 110.0 feet. These lake levels will cause unprecedented, catastrophic flooding of Lake James and possibly adjacent reaches of the Catawba River. - If the rainfall forecast verifies, Moderate to Major flooding will be likely along and near Lake James and a Flash Flood Emergency may be issued. Residents are encouraged to heed guidance from local officials and emergency management on any potential impacts to property. Drivers are encouraged to heed any barricades and avoid all flooded areas. This has the potential to be a historic and extremely dangerous event. Please stay weather aware and monitor lake levels and Duke Energy projections closely for any changes. - For more information on lake levels or dam releases, people are encouraged to visit http://lakes.duke-energy.com or call 1-800-829- 5253. - Http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

* AFFECTED AREAS: BURKE, NC ... MCDOWELL, NC

Instructions:

Boaters, fishermen, kayakers, swimmers, and other lake users are encouraged to exercise caution during elevated lake levels and downstream releases. Lake residents are encouraged to avoid areas along the stream below dams releasing water.