Full Notification

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for... 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 445 AM EDT.

* At 1047 PM EDT, river gauge reports indicated flooding and high water levels continue across the warned area. Flash flooding is already occurring and landslides are possible.

* Some locations that will experience flooding include... Downtown Asheville, Hendersonville, Forest City, Rutherfordton, Columbus, East Asheville, Arden, West Asheville, North Asheville and Black Mountain. The river gauge along the Swannanoa River at Black Mountain Park has risen above Moderate Flood stage to 12.8 feet. At 12 feet, the river is approaching The Oaks Trail steel foot bridge and the nearby Ingles shopping center parking lot. Significant flooding of Veterans Park, its associated trails, and Veterans Park Drive is ongoing. The river gauge along Flat Creek near Montreat was 8.5 feet which is above flood stage. 8.5 feet is Flood Stage. At this level, Flat Creek approaches the bottom of the bridge deck at Flat Creek Road. Flat Creek floods the floodplain adjacent to Flat Creek Road. At 8.9 feet, Flat Creek reaches road surfaces at the Flat Creek Road bridge. The river gauge along the Rocky Broad River at Bat Cave was 8.44 feet. Moderate flood stage is 8.5 feet. At 8 feet, homes and campgrounds along the Rocky Broad River begin to flood. At 10 feet, Highway 64 is closed and evacuations begin in the Lake Lure area. Lake Lure is raising their gates to 30 feet and are asking residents along the river to move to higher ground immediately. The gauge at Cane Creek near Fletcher was 8.3 feet. At 8 feet, water approaches the Fletcher Community Park Ball Fields. Cane Creek Road near Mills Gap Road will likely be flooded. At 9 feet, fields along the creek flood and the Fletcher Community Park is surrounded by water. Bat Fork Creek was 7.6 feet. At 8 feet, backwater from Bat Fork Creek will likely cause Dana and Tracy Grove Roads off of Four Seasons Boulevard in Hendersonville to flood. Airport Road also floods. Mud Creek was at 8 feet. Backwater effects along Wash Creek cause floodwaters to approach the access road to the shopping plaza just south of Gateway Park near South Church and South Main Streets.

* 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. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. 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.