Full Notification

FFWGSP The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for... Henderson County in western North Carolina... Polk County in western North Carolina... Rutherford County in western North Carolina...

* Until 230 PM EDT Friday.

* At 629 AM EDT, emergency management reported extensive significant life-threatening flooding across the warned area. Numerous road closures, multiple strandings and water rescues were reported recently. In many locations, up to 11 inches of rain have fallen in the last 12 to 24 hours, and an additional swath of heavy rainfall is arriving from the south. This will result in imminent catastrophic flooding in the warned area. This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for Henderson, Polk, and Rutherford Counties. This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW! HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding. SOURCE...Emergency management reported. IMPACT...This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW! Life threatening flash flooding of low water crossings, small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. Catastrophic damage to infrastructure and inundation of homes and businesses. Many life-threatening landslides. Numerous road closures and dangerous low- water crossings.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Hendersonville, Forest City, Rutherfordton, Columbus, Mills River, Fletcher, Spindale, Flat Rock, Etowah, Landrum, Mountain Home, Laurel Park, Tryon, Lake Lure, Saluda, Ellenboro, Bostic, Chimney Rock Village, Chimney Rock State Park and Bat Cave.

* AFFECTED AREAS: HENDERSON, NC ... POLK, NC ... RUTHERFORD, NC

Instructions:

Move to higher ground now! This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order. Heavy rain is increasing the risk of landslides, especially in areas where slides have occurred in the past. Be especially alert if you are near a stream, especially at the base of a mountain or in a cove. Watch for loose-moving soil and rocks or a sudden increase in streamflow. Leave the area quickly if this is observed. When driving along roads where the terrain is steep or rocky, watch and listen for falling rocks, mud, trees and other debris. Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads. 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.