Full Notification

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a *Flood Warning for McDowell County in western North Carolina...

* Until 1100 PM EST Friday.

* At 1105 AM EST, automated gages indicated 1 to 4 inches of rain
had fallen since Thursday evening, and that some streams were
rising rapidly, especially along the North Fork Catawba River and
its tributaries. Emergency management has reported minor flooding
already occurring in parts of McDowell and Caldwell Counties,
where a few small streams have risen over roads. Runoff will
continue into tonight, and already flooded roads will remain
flooded as a result. New flooding is possible with continuing
rainfall and runoff. Water releases may be necessary from Lake
James, which could lead to faster rises downstream on the Catawba
across Burke County. Furthermore, at least one landslide has
already been reported, and the threat of landslides or slope
failures will increase across the area as soils become
oversaturated.

* Some locations that will experience flooding include...
Lenoir, Morganton, Marion, Sawmills, Granite Falls, Valdese,
Gamewell, Hudson, Icard and Cajah's Mountain.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause flooding of small
creeks and streams, highways, and underpasses. Additionally, country roads and farmlands along the banks of creeks, streams, and other low-lying areas are subject to flooding. 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.
Remember, turn around, don't drown.

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.

Only when it is safe to do so, please report floodwaters 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.