Flash Flood Watch
September 16, 2020
FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING
The Flash Flood Watch continues for
- Portions of northeast Georgia…North Carolina and upstate South Carolina, including the following areas, in northeast Georgia, Elbert, Franklin, Habersham, Hart, Rabun and Stephens. In North Carolina, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Davie, Eastern Polk, Gaston, Greater Rutherford, Henderson, Iredell, Lincoln, Macon, Mecklenburg, Polk Mountains, Rowan, Rutherford Mountains, Southern Jackson, Transylvania and Union NC. In upstate South Carolina, Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Chester, Greater Greenville, Greater Oconee, Greater Pickens, Greenville Mountains, Greenwood, Laurens, Oconee Mountains, Pickens Mountains, Spartanburg, Union SC and York.
- From Thursday morning through Friday morning
- Widespread heavy rain showers and a few thunderstorms are expected to develop across the Watch area beginning late tonight and continuing through Thursday, before gradually tapering off Thursday night into Friday. Storm total rainfall of 5 to 7 inches is expected across much of the Watch area over a 24 to 30 hour period. A few locations could see totals approach or exceed 9 inches.
- This amount of rain will produce areas of flash flooding along smaller streams, creeks, and in urban areas. Rain bands producing torrential rainfall rates may result in localized amounts around 9 inches and significant flash flooding. In addition to flash flooding, at least minor main stem river flooding is likely, especially along the Saluda River in Upstate South Carolina. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A Flash Flood Watch means there is a potential for rapid onset flooding based on current forecasts. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation and may impact areas that do not typically flood. Please monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared to take action quickly should Flash Flood Warnings be issued. Rainfall of more than five inches in similar storms has been associated with an increased risk of landslides and rockslides. If you live on a mountainside or in a cove at the base of a mountain, especially near a stream, be ready to leave in advance of the storm or as quickly as possible should rising water, moving earth, or rocks threaten. Consider postponing travel along mountain roads during periods of heavy rainfall. &&
