***Flood Advisory for Northwestern Caldwell County, Southeastern Avery County, Northwestern Burke County & Northeastern McDowell County until 2am***

From the National Weather Service…
(October 10, 2018 at 9:09pm)

* At 906 PM EDT, scattered light showers continue across the Advisory area and additional rainfall accumulations of 0.25-0.50 inches are possible over the next 1-2 hours.  Total accumulations of 2-4 inches over the past 8-10 hours has caused gradual rises on area streams and creeks and low-lying area flooding is ongoing.

* Streams are beginning to crest or have already crested but flooding will continue for the next several hours as streams remain near or slightly above Minor Flood Stage.  Therefore, the Flood Advisory has been extended to 2 AM.  Please continue to avoid common flood-prone areas and roads and heed all barricades.

* Additional moderate to heavy rainfall will develop overnight into early Thursday morning, and this rainfall will likely cause new flooding to develop.  Please stay weather aware.

* The following roadways are currently inundated by floodwaters: Brown Mountain Beach Rd, Fish Hatchery Rd, and Old Johns River Rd.  Other low-water crossings have been impacted and may remain inundated over the next few hours as stream levels recede.

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* The following streamgauge remains near Minor Flood Stage:

Wilson Creek near Edgemont.

Current Stage: 4.96 feet and falling steadily.

Forecast: Wilson Creek will continue to recede gradually over the next few hours.  Additional rainfall may cause new rises overnight.  Avoid Wilson Creek until the flood threat ends Thursday night.

Action Stage: 4.0 feet.

Minor Flood Stage: 5.0 feet.

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* The following streamgauge remains above Minor Flood Stage:

Johns River at Arneys Store 6 N Morganton.

Current Stage: 12.90 feet and rising slowly.

Forecast: The Johns River should crest below 14 feet and begin to gradually recede overnight unless new heavier rainfall develops.

Action Stage: 9.0 feet.

Minor Flood Stage: 12.0 feet.

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* The following locations may continue to experience flooding…Marion, Blowing Rock In Caldwell County, Lake James State Park, Table Rock, Lake James, Nebo, Edgemont, Collettsville, Ashford and Jonas Ridge.

* The following streams and associated tributaries are experiencing high flows and Minor Flooding remains possible for the next several hours: Wilson Creek, Johns River, Irish Creek, Russell Creek, Upper Creek, and Warrior Fork.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads.  Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.  Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.

Heavy rain falling along mountain creeks can cause sudden increases in water flow downstream, even in areas where it is not raining.  People participating in outdoor recreation should move away from creeks and small streams.

If new heavy rainfall develops, the advisory may be upgraded to a Flash Flood Warning.  People in flood prone areas, especially along creeks and small streams, should prepare to move to higher ground quickly if a Flash Flood Warning is issued.

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.