Full Notification

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

* Flash Flood Warning for... Southwestern Avery County in western North Carolina... McDowell County in western North Carolina... Southeastern Mitchell County in western North Carolina... Southeastern Yancey County in western North Carolina...

* Until 900 AM EDT.

* At 605 AM EDT, Doppler radar indicated a line of training cells producing torrential rainfall from Sugar Hill and Old Fort to Marion, Pleasant Gardens, Celo, Little Switzerland, and Spruce Pine. This rainfall will be capable of producing 1-2.5 inches in less than an hour over saturated soils. This rainfall may cause additional rises on area streams, including the upper Catawba River, Crooked Creek, Grassy Creek, the North Toe River and the South Toe River and quickly exacerbate ongoing Minor flooding. Significant flooding, potentially impacting some structures, may develop quickly over the next 1-2 hours. Seek higher ground now! HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Life-threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams. Expect significant flooding of adjacent low-lying areas, including parks, trails, low-water crossings, boat-access areas, and campgrounds. Flooding of some crawl spaces and basements is possible with potential flooding of first-floors in residences and businesses near streams. Evacuations may be needed. An isolated landslide or two cannot be ruled out.

* Some locations that may experience flash flooding include... Marion, Spruce Pine, Celo, Old Fort, Pleasant Gardens, Lake James State Park, Linville Falls.

* AFFECTED AREAS: AVERY, NC ... MCDOWELL, NC ... MITCHELL, NC ... YANCEY, NC

Instructions:

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads. The additional heavy rain will increase the risk of landslides and debris flows, especially in areas where landslides have occurred in the past. Be especially alert if you live near a stream, particularly at the base of a mountain or in a cove. Watch for signs that a landslide may be imminent, including loose-moving soil and rocks or a sudden increase in streamflow. Stay indoors and do NOT go outside to investigate. Escape vertically inside your home by moving upstairs or getting on top of counters to avoid being swept away.