Full Notification

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for... Henderson County in western North Carolina...

* Until 515 PM EDT Friday.

* At 1108 AM EDT, Heavy rainfall totaling 2-3 inches in the past three hours across the northwestern half of Henderson County is already causing significant runoff, stream response, and Minor flooding of low-lying areas from Etowah to Horse Shoe to Mountain Home to Fletcher. However, additional rainfall is occurring and will persist across Henderson County for several more hours. Storm- total rainfall may exceed 5 inches in some locations by mid- afternoon. This will exacerbate ongoing flood concerns, especially across the northwestern half of the county.

* People in Henderson County, especially from Hendersonville north and east towards Etowah, Mills River, and Fletcher, are urged to stay away from low-water crossings, low-lying roadways adjacent to streams, and all areas adjacent to streams including parks, greenways, farmland, and residences including apartment buildings and campgrounds. Water will rise quickly and you will have little time to respond or evacuate. Seek higher ground immediately!

* The flood threat will persist for several hours, so it is important not to let your guard down as streams will continue to rise and new flooding may develop well into the afternoon hours. Please avoid low-lying areas through this afternoon and obey all barricades and evacuation orders as they are in place to save your life!

* The following streams and associated tributaries are experiencing rapid rises and flooding is likely: Mills River, Cane Creek, Boylston Creek, Clear Creek, Mud Creek, and other small tributaries into the French Broad River.

* Some locations that may experience worsening flooding include... Hendersonville, Mills River, Fletcher, Flat Rock, Etowah, Mountain Home, Laurel Park, Bat Cave, B.R. Parkway-Mount Pisgah To The Nc Arboretum and Valley Hill.

* AFFECTED AREAS: HENDERSON, NC

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. Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause flooding of small creeks and streams, highways, and underpasses. Addditionally, country roads and farmlands along the banks of creeks, streams, and other low-lying areas are subject to flooding. Numerous roads, parking lots and bridges will be threatened by heavy rain and rapidly rising streams and creeks. Please pay close attention to road signs indicating a flood-prone area. Obey all barricades, even if water is not currently over the road. Barricades are in place for your protection and indicate areas where flooding can occur rapidly and without warning. 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.