Full Notification

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

* Flash Flood Warning for... West Central Burke County in western North Carolina... East Central McDowell County in western North Carolina...

* Until 645 PM EDT Friday.

* At 652 AM EDT, Lake James is beginning to respond to torrential rainfall and potentially catastrophic inflows entering the headwaters of the Catawba River associated with Tropical Storm Helene. Additional rainfall of 4-7 inches is likely through later this morning, on top of rainfall accumulations of 4-8 inches Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Lake James is rising rapidly in response to this rainfall where the current pool is 104.13 feet. Additional rises are expected over the next several hours, with Lake James likely to exceed the Moderate Flood Stage of 105.0 feet. More significant shoreline flooding, capable of inundating homes and other structures, is developing.

* Based on current rainfall forecasts and conditions, Duke Energy expects Lake James to reach or exceed 110.0 feet later today, 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 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 very soon. 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. HAZARD...Life-threatening flash flooding from rapid pool elevation rises caused by excessive rainfall. SOURCE...Duke Energy and McDowell County Emergency Management IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of the Lake James shoreline as well as the Catawba river immediately above and below Lake James. At 105.0 feet...Moderate Flood Stage. Unusual, damaging flooding is developing adjacent to Lake James with considerable impacts to property. Lake James Landing, Marion Moose Campground, Lake James Getaways at Island Cir and Houseboat Ln, and Linville Shores Campground may all be experiencing significant flooding with inundation of 2-4 feet likely.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Marion, Glen Alpine, Lake James, Lake James State Park and Nebo.

* 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.

* Please stay weather aware and monitor lake levels and Duke Energy projections closely for any changes.

* Residents along and below Lake James are encouraged to stay aware of the latest updates from McDowell and Burke County emergency management agencies as well as local law enforcement.

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