Full Notification

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a

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

* Until 1100 PM EDT.

* At 533 PM EDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated heavy rain falling across the warned area. Up to 3 inches of rain have fallen since 2 PM . Flash flooding is occurring and landslides are likely.

* Some locations that will experience flooding include... Downtown Asheville, Hendersonville, Rutherfordton, Columbus, East Asheville, Arden, West Asheville, North Asheville, Black Mountain and Mills River.

* The stage at the Swannanoa River at Black Mountain park was 10 feet. At this level, flooding of Veterans Park continues. Sections of River Trail Loop and The Oaks Trail are flooding. Veterans Park Drive may start to flood. The stage at the Rocky Broad River at Bat Cave was 8 feet. At this level, homes and campgrounds along the river will flood. The stage at Mud Creek was 7.7 feet. At 8 feet, backwater effects along Wash Creek will will cause flood waters to approach the access road to the shopping plaza just south of Gateway Park. This is the intersection of South Church street and South Main Street.

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

Instructions:

Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Do not attempt to cross water-covered roadways, bridges, or low-level crossings. Only a few inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away your vehicle. It is not worth the risk. Please TURN AROUND, DON`T DROWN. Runoff from heavy rain into creeks and streams will cause sudden increases in water levels and flows, even in areas where rainfall has been light or nonexistent. Hikers, campers and other individuals outdoors must immediately seek high ground and avoid all streams. 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.