Full Notification

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for... Southwestern McDowell County in western North Carolina... Western Rutherford County in western North Carolina... Eastern Henderson County in western North Carolina... Western Polk County in western North Carolina... Eastern Buncombe County in western North Carolina...

* Until 545 PM EDT.

* At 1151 AM EDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated heavy rain falling across the warned area. Up to two inches of rain have fallen since 6 AM. Flash flooding is likely occurring or will begin shortly.

* Some locations that will experience flooding include... Black Mountain, Swannanoa, Fairview In Buncombe County, Tryon, Old Fort, Saluda, Chimney Rock State Park, Bat Cave and B.R. Parkway-Craggy To Little Switzerland. Additional rainfall amounts of 1-2 inches are possible in the warned area. The Rocky Broad River at Bat Cave was at 6.46 feet and rising at 1145 AM...and will continue to rise. At this level, some campgrounds below Bat Cave in Rutherford County near Lake Lure may need to be evacuated. The Swannanoa River at Black Mountain Park was at 9.19 feet and rising at 1145 am...and will continue to rise. At this level, the river will exceed its banks and will flood adjacent low lying areas including parts of Veterans Park.

* AFFECTED AREAS: BUNCOMBE ... HENDERSON ... MCDOWELL ... POLK ... RUTHERFORD

Instructions:

In hilly and mountainous terrain, there are hundreds of low-water crossings which can be dangerous in heavy rain. Low-water crossings can be submerged by flood waters quickly and without warning. Never attempt to travel across flooded crossings. Find an alternate route. It takes only a few inches of swiftly flowing water to carry vehicles away. The additional heavy rain will increase 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. When it is safe to do so, please report flood waters or landslides flowing over roads or threatening property to the National Weather Service by calling toll free, 1, 800, 2 6 7, 8 1 0 1, by posting on our Facebook page, or via Twitter using hashtag NWSGSP. Your message should describe the event and the specific location where it occurred, including roadways, nearby cross streets, stream names and other landmarks.