Headline:
Flood Warning issued September 26 at 1:04PM EDT until September 28 at 3:12PM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC
Event:
Flood Warning
Urgency:
Immediate
Effective:
September 26, 2024 - 10:04am
Expires:
September 27, 2024 - 10:15am
Description:
...The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in North
Carolina...
Tuckasegee River At Bryson City affecting Swain County.
.Two unique rounds of rainfall, one ongoing and continuing through
early this afternoon resulting from tropical moisture
interacting with a stationary front, and another beginning tonight
and lasting through Friday morning associated with Hurricane
Helene, are expected to result in significant rises within the
Tuckasegee River watershed. Minor to Moderate flooding in smaller
streams feeding the Tuckasegee River will produce significant rises
along the Tuckasegee River. Minor flooding of the Tuckasegee River
near Bryson City is likely. Fortunately, heavy rainfall expected
Wednesday night was more significant to the east of the Tuckasegee
and Oconaluftee River watersheds helping to reduce the initial
response of the Tuckasegee River at Bryson City. However,
additional rounds of heavy rainfall are possible today.
There is a potential for crests to exceed the current forecast
crests. Confidence in significant rainfall is high, but small
reductions or increases in storm-total rainfall may result in
notable changes to the forecast crests. If the forecasted rainfall
over the next few days occurs very quickly or in a much shorter time
frame than is currently expected, significant flooding along the
Tuckasegee River is possible. It is absolutely imperative that you
maintain awareness of the latest forecasts and plan NOW to respond
to more significant flooding in your area.
* WHAT...Minor flooding is forecast.
* WHERE...Tuckasegee River at Bryson City.
* WHEN...Until Saturday afternoon.
* IMPACTS...At 11.0 feet, The river will overflow its banks in the
park downtown, and low lying areas along Island and Collins
Streets will begin to flood. Toot Hollow Branch that flows into
the river will likely overflow its banks and flood areas along the
branch especially along Waters Street. Bear Hunter Campground
will experience more significant flooding.
At 12.0 feet, Businesses near Everett Street and along Island and
Carringer Streets will flood. In Whittier, businesses along the
river may have water in their loading docks.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- At 12:15 PM EDT Thursday the stage was 6.2 feet.
- Action/Advisory Stage is 8.0 feet.
- Forecast...The river is expected to rise above flood stage
late tonight to a crest of 12.0 feet early tomorrow
afternoon. It will then fall below flood stage early Saturday
morning.
- Minor Flood Stage is 10.0 feet.
Moderate Flood Stage is 13.5 feet.
Major Flood Stage is 15.5 feet.
- The Tuckasegee River crested at 13.38 feet on February 6,
2020. It is possible the river may approach this level if
rainfall occurs more quickly than currently expected.
- Http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Instruction:
If you live or are vacationing along any stream in the Tuckasegee
River watershed, including Deep Creek, Alarka Creek, and tributaries
feeding the Oconaluftee River, have a plan in place to seek higher
ground before the heavy rain begins. Do NOT wait for a warning to
take action. Flee areas adjacent to the stream before the stream
rises significantly.
Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks.
Even 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock you off your feet
and a depth of 2 feet will float your car. Never try to walk, swim,
or drive through such swift water. If you come upon flood waters,
stop, turn around and go another way.
This warning will be in effect until the river falls below its flood
stage.
For detailed information including observed and forecast stages,
flood impacts, flood history, FEMA Flood Hazard Layers, and more,
please visit: https://water.noaa.gov/wfo/GSP
The next statement will be issued this evening.Friday afternoon at
115 PM EDT.
Area Description:
Swain, NC
Forcast Office:
NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC