Full Notification

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a

* Flood Warning for... McDowell County in western North Carolina... Caldwell County in western North Carolina... Burke County in western North Carolina...

* Until 800 AM EST Saturday.

* At 1056 PM 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.

* AFFECTED AREAS: CALDWELL, NC ... BURKE, NC ... MCDOWELL, NC

Instructions:

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. 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. 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.