Flash Flood Warning 09/27/2024 00:45 for North Carolina areas

FFWGSP The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... A Dam Floodgate Release in... Southern Rutherford County in western North Carolina... * Until 930 AM EDT. * At 345 AM EDT, Rutherford County Emergency Management is reporting that the Town of Lake Lure has opened tainter gates fully due to flash flooding above Lake Lure. The resultant floodwave is impacting several areas downstream, including: River Creek Campground, homes in the Green Hill community, areas in the Cleghorn and Union communities, Union Rd at NC 108, and Cox Rd. Residents are urged to heed evacuation guidance from Rutherford County Emergency Management and seek higher ground. * Additional torrential, potentially devastating rainfall is expected later this morning as Hurricane Helene moves across the area. There is the potential for another 3-5 inches of rainfall across Rutherford County, with the highest totals along the Blue Ridge Escarpment above Lake Lure. This rainfall will occur on saturated soils and excessive runoff into elevated headwaters above Lake Lure will result in potentially catastrophic inflows into the lake and downstream locations. * If the rainfall forecast verifies, Major flooding will be likely along and near Lake Lure and a Flash Flood Emergency may be issued. Residents are encouraged to heed guidance from local officials and emergency management on any potential impacts to property. Drivers are encouraged to heed any barricades and avoid all flooded areas. This has the potential to be a historic and extremely dangerous event. Please stay weather aware and monitor lake levels closely for any changes. HAZARD...Life-threatening flash flooding. Heavy rainfall producing flash flooding resulting in dam gate releases. SOURCE...Dam operator. IMPACT...Life-threatening flash flooding along the Broad River, impacting campgrounds, homes, roadways and other adjacent low-lying areas near the Broad River. * Some locations that may experience Minor to Moderate flash flooding include...downstream of Lake Lure, Cleghorn community, Union community, Green Hill community, Harris, and Cliffside. Flooding is occurring along the Broad River.