Full Notification

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for... Central McDowell County in western North Carolina...

* Until 1230 AM EST.

* At 931 PM EST, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain falling across the warned area. Up to three inches of rain have already fallen. Flash flooding is already occurring. HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by heavy rain. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other drainage and low lying areas. Additional rainfall amounts of around 0.5 to 1.0 inches are possible in the warned area. Flood waters are moving down the Little Fork River from Ashford to the main Catawba River. The river gauge at Ashford was at 8.6 feet and rising. At 9 feet, the Mountain Paradise Campground will start to flood, requiring evacuations.

* AFFECTED AREAS: MCDOWELL, 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. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. 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.