Full Notification

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has extended the

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

* Until 1115 PM EDT Friday.

* At 430 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated they heaviest rainfall has ended across Henderson County. Doppler radar and automated gauges indicate widespread heavy rainfall has occurred with storm-total rainfall of 3-6 inches observed across central and western Henderson County, with lesser amounts of 1-3 inches mainly east of Hendersonville. This has caused significant flash flooding across much of Henderson County.

* Henderson County Emergency Management is reporting numerous flood- prone areas have been impacted. Additionally, there have been at least three water rescues. Timberlane Dr. in Etowah was washed out stranding 40 residents near Gash Creek. One evacuation occurred in Fletcher along Cane Creek. Additional impacts are likely. Please exercise extreme caution and AVOID ALL STREAMS through tonight.

* There is another band of heavy rainfall across extreme western North Carolina and northeast Georgia and that rainfall will enter Henderson County within the next 2-3 hours. However, the heavy rainfall with this line is very localized and at this time it is not expected to exacerbate ongoing flooding across the county.

* Excessive rainfall over the warned area may cause a few landslides near steep terrain. The mud slide can consist of rock, mud, vegetation and other loose materials.

* Significant runoff continues as the rainfall works through the soils and into streams. Streams will continue to rise and will stay elevated for several hours! Therefore, even after the heavy rain ends, people in 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. Please obey all barricades and evacuation orders!

* Streamgauges indicate widespread low-lying flooding along Mud Creek, where the stream level is expected to exceed 8.5 feet or Minor Flood Stage. Cane Creek is approaching 10.0 feet or Moderate Flood Stage where more significant flooding is ongoing. The French Broad River will continue to rise to significant levels into Saturday. Expect road closures at: Glenn Bridge Rd, Howared Gap Rd, Pinner Rd, Butler Bridge Rd, Nelson Rd, Banner Farm Rd, Brannon Rd, Old Brevard Hwy, and Ladson Rd, among other roads.

* Some locations that will continue to experience 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. Numerous roads, parking lots, and bridges are still threatened by 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. The heavy rain has saturated soils and increased 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.