Alert archive / North Carolina / Flash Flood Warnings in 2018

Flash Flood Warning 62, NWS Greenville-Spartanburg, SC

September 23, 2018Burke County, Caldwell County, McDowell County, North Carolina

NWS Greenville-Spartanburg, SC issued this flash flood warning at Sep 23, 2018, 9:46 PM EDT for Burke County, Caldwell County, McDowell County, North Carolina. It was in force for 3 hr. 2 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Sep 23, 2018, 9:46 PM EDT (01:46 UTC)
Expired
Sep 24, 2018, 12:45 AM EDT
In force
3 hr
Issued by
NWS Greenville-Spartanburg, SC
Area
Storm-based polygon
Flood severity
None

Counties Burke County, NC, Caldwell County, NC, McDowell County, NC

The radar

The Greer radar (KGSP), 122 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 01:48 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Sep 23, 10:45 PM EDTFLASH FLOOD1 Ne Table Rock, NCBRIDGE WASHED OUT IN ROSE CREEK FAMILY CAMPGROUND.
Sep 23, 11:00 PM EDTFLASH FLOOD3 Nne Table Rock, NCSTEELS CREEK FLOODED ROAD LEADING INTO STEELE CREEK FAMILY CAMPGROUND.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

Did it verify

Verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow matched 2 storm reports to this flash flood warning; the first came 59 minutes after it went out.

Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.

The nearest sounding before it

Greensboro/Hi Pt, NC (KGSO), launched 00:00Z, 1.8 hours before the alert went out and 177 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Greensboro/Hi Pt, NC at 00:00Z on 2018-09-24Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Greensboro/Hi Pt, NC at 00:00Z on 2018-09-24The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 84 square meters per square second.1939Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
639 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
38 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
84 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
87 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

992 
WGUS52 KGSP 240146
FFWGSP
NCC023-027-111-240445-
/O.NEW.KGSP.FF.W.0062.180924T0146Z-180924T0445Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
946 PM EDT SUN SEP 23 2018

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  Northeastern McDowell County in western North Carolina...
  West central Caldwell County in western North Carolina...
  Northwestern Burke County in western North Carolina...

* Until 1245 AM EDT.

* At 940 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated persistent heavy rain 
  across the warned area. Up to 4 inches of rain have fallen over 
  the past few hours, and more rain is likely. Flash flooding is 
  likely occurring or will begin shortly.

* Some locations that will experience flooding include...
  Table Rock, Linville Falls, Ashford, Jonas Ridge and B.R.
  Parkway-Linville Falls To Grandfather. In addition, Little Fork 
  and Warrior Fork Creeks, and Wilson Creek have seen rapid rises in 
  water levels and may overflow their banks. If Wilson Creek 
  overflows its banks, Killians Campground will likely be flooded.  
  

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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.

&&

LAT...LON 3599 8188 3598 8187 3598 8184 3596 8181
      3598 8179 3598 8173 3594 8168 3582 8169
      3580 8181 3581 8195 3592 8197 3593 8195
      3594 8196 3595 8196 3600 8190

$$

JPT
2 follow-up statements
264 
WGUS72 KGSP 240351
FFSGSP

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
1151 PM EDT SUN SEP 23 2018

NCC023-027-111-240445-
/O.CON.KGSP.FF.W.0062.000000T0000Z-180924T0445Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
McDowell NC-Caldwell NC-Burke NC-
1151 PM EDT SUN SEP 23 2018

...THE FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1245 AM EDT FOR
NORTHEASTERN MCDOWELL...WEST CENTRAL CALDWELL AND NORTHWESTERN BURKE
COUNTIES...

At 1148 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain across the warned 
area. Over 4 inches of rain has fallen over the past few hours, with 
more rain likely. 

Some locations that will experience flooding include...
Table Rock, Linville Falls, Ashford, Jonas Ridge and B.R.
Parkway-Linville Falls To Grandfather. In addition, Little Fork and 
Warrior Fork Creeks, and Wilson Creek have seen rapid rises in water 
levels and may overflow their banks. If Wilson Creek overflows its 
banks, Killians Campground will likely be flooded.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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.

&&

LAT...LON 3599 8188 3598 8187 3598 8184 3596 8181
      3598 8179 3598 8173 3594 8168 3582 8169
      3580 8181 3581 8195 3592 8197 3593 8195
      3594 8196 3595 8196 3600 8190

$$

JPT
877 
WGUS72 KGSP 240440
FFSGSP

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
1240 AM EDT MON SEP 24 2018

NCC023-027-111-240449-
/O.EXP.KGSP.FF.W.0062.000000T0000Z-180924T0445Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
McDowell NC-Caldwell NC-Burke NC-
1240 AM EDT MON SEP 24 2018

...THE FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR NORTHEASTERN MCDOWELL...WEST CENTRAL
CALDWELL AND NORTHWESTERN BURKE COUNTIES WILL EXPIRE AT 1245 AM
EDT...

The heavy rain has ended over the area and flood waters have begun 
to recede. Significant flooding is no longer expected to pose a 
threat. Please continue to heed any remaining road closures.

LAT...LON 3599 8188 3598 8187 3598 8184 3596 8181
      3598 8179 3598 8173 3594 8168 3582 8169
      3580 8181 3581 8195 3592 8197 3593 8195
      3594 8196 3595 8196 3600 8190

$$

JPT

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this flash flood warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Greenville-Spartanburg, SC wrote its last area forecast discussion before this flash flood warning went out at Sep 23, 8:16 PM EDT, 1 hour 30 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Sep 23, 8:16 PM EDT, 1 hour 30 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
816 PM EDT Sun Sep 23 2018

.SYNOPSIS...
A wedge of moist high pressure will persist across the area into
Tuesday. A cold front will then move into the forecast area from the
west on Wednesday. This front will become stationary and increase
the chance for showers and thunderstorms through the end of the week.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH MONDAY/...
As of 800 PM EDT...So far little convection has developed
along/behind the slow-moving backdoor cold front. Latest SPC
mesoanalysis shows about 1000-1500 J/kg and is on a decreasing
trend. Updated PoPs to mainly highlight the high terrain, where SELY
upslope flow will continue to force shower activity. Confidence in
any thunderstorms is decreasing. Steering currents from the S/SW at
10-15 mph will limit the localized heavy rainfall potential.
However, some training of cells will be possible along the eastern
escarpment roughly parallel to the flow.

CAMs are in pretty good agreement (and have shown strong run-to-run
consistency) in allowing convection to continue developing into at
least the early part of the overnight near the NC Blue Ridge, where
weak but deep SE flow will focus upslope lift through much of the
period. Pops therefore peak at 60% across the northern foothills and
mountains by late evening, then gradually diminish through the
night.  Otherwise, the leading edge of the back door front will
continue its S/SW ooze (possibly picking up a little bit of speed)
to warrant 20-30 pops expanding to include much of the area. Min
temps will remain above climo, but slightly cooler than in previous
days.

Weak cold air damming is expected to impact much of the forecast
area on Monday, with persistent/stubborn low clouds expected to hold
max temps in the 75-80 range across much of the area (a little lower
across the mountains and north of I-40, a little higher across
southern Piedmont areas). Weak instability and lack of a source of
lift other than terrain effects will limit the most notable pops
(40-50%) to the high terrain and adjacent foothills.

&&

.SHORT TERM /MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY/...
As of 300 PM EDT Sunday: A muggy and mild night is in store under
the clouds on Mon night. The NErn high pressure dome will be
centered over the Canadian Maritimes during the short term period,
but it's influence will still be felt here. Cool, moist air dammed
up against the mountains will allow the clouds to expand again and
cover most of the CWA by morning. Most of the area should be dry,
but will carry low chc PoPs to allow for a bit of drizzle or a very
light-brief shower overnight. The winds then veer enough to the east
to bring in some drier air to mix out much of the clouds by mid-aftn
Tues. Some instability is generated where it gets sunny, but the
CAPE is thin, and we can't see putting in higher PoPs than what is
going for Mon. Temps go back above normal for Tues aftn where the
clouds break up. Some southern towns may get near 90F.

&&

.LONG TERM /TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY/...
As of 300 PM EDT Sunday: A cold front will advance in from the
west/northwest later Wed and Wed night. Numerous showers and
thunderstorms should result, but coverage does not look to be total.
Highest PoPs will be painted highest over the mountains. By sunrise
Thurs, the front should be splitting the CWA in two. But, it will
also be dragging it's feet and probably lay out W-E, causing a delay
to the end of showers. The weak anti-cyclone behind the front just
about gives up as it runs into the upper ridging over the Atlantic.
Heights do fall a little, but forcing generally weak overhead. Next
weekend does look dry/rain-free for the most part with NW flow.
Dewpoints will be more comfortable in the m50s mtns to m60s S.

&&

.AVIATION /00Z MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...
At KCLT and elsewhere: Weak back door cold front continues to work
its way slowly S/SW across the area and is about halfway between
KCLT and KGSP as of 00z. This front is not triggering much
convection, except along the eastern escarpment, where upslope is
enhancing lift. Will keep VCSH at KAVL and KHKY thru most of the
night, due to lingering showers in the SELY upslope flow. The
Piedmont sites look to only see isolated SHRA, so no mention at this
time. Winds will shift to NE behind the front (except SE at KAVL), and
low cigs are expected to develop from NE to SW thru daybreak Monday.
I went with the latest LAMP for the cig trends. All sites are
expected to go to the LIFR to MVFR range thru Monday morning. Some
improvement is expected Monday aftn, but confidence is low that much
of the cloud deck will mix out. A few showers possible across the
Upstate and southern NC mountains early Monday morning and thru the
aftn.

Outlook: Weak cold air damming may support restrictions and
occasional showers/light rain during the day Monday thru possibly
Tuesday. A cold front moving in from the west will then bring higher
chances of showers and storms Wednesday thru the end of the workweek.

Confidence Table...

            00-06Z        06-12Z        12-18Z        18-00Z
KCLT       High  80%     High  91%     Med   76%     High  94%
KGSP       High  95%     Med   74%     High  84%     High  87%
KAVL       High  86%     Med   78%     High  90%     High 100%
KHKY       Med   74%     Med   76%     High  80%     High  98%
KGMU       High  92%     Med   74%     High  80%     High  81%
KAND       High 100%     High  84%     High  84%     High  89%

The percentage reflects the number of guidance members agreeing
with the scheduled TAF issuance flight rule category. Complete hourly
experimental aviation forecast consistency tables and ensemble forecasts
are available at the following link:

www.weather.gov/gsp/aviation

&&

.GSP WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
GA...None.
NC...None.
SC...None.

&&

SYNOPSIS...DEO
NEAR TERM...ARK/JDL
SHORT TERM...MMD
LONG TERM...MMD
AVIATION...ARK
Hazardous weather outlook, Sep 23, 9:18 PM EDT, 28 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
918 PM EDT Sun Sep 23 2018

GAZ010-017-018-026-028-029-NCZ035>037-048-051-052-056>059-062>064-
068>072-082-508-510-SCZ001>014-019-250130-
Rabun-Habersham-Stephens-Franklin-Hart-Elbert-Alexander-Iredell-
Davie-Madison-Swain-Haywood-Catawba-Rowan-Graham-Northern Jackson-
Macon-Southern Jackson-Transylvania-Cleveland-Lincoln-Gaston-
Mecklenburg-Cabarrus-Union-Greater Rutherford-Eastern Polk-
Oconee Mountains-Pickens Mountains-Greenville Mountains-
Greater Oconee-Greater Pickens-Greater Greenville-Spartanburg-
Cherokee-York-Anderson-Abbeville-Laurens-Chester-Greenwood-
918 PM EDT Sun Sep 23 2018

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia, piedmont
North Carolina, western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

None.

NCZ033-049-050-053-065-501>507-509-250130-
Avery-Yancey-Mitchell-Buncombe-Henderson-Caldwell Mountains-
Greater Caldwell-Burke Mountains-Greater Burke-McDowell Mountains-
Eastern McDowell-Rutherford Mountains-Polk Mountains-
918 PM EDT Sun Sep 23 2018

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for western North Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Scattered to numerous showers will continue to develop along and near
the eastern Blue Ridge Escarpment the rest of the this evening into
the overnight hours. Some showers may produce heavy rain and isolated
flooding will be possible.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

None.

ARK

The office that day

Everything else NWS Greenville-Spartanburg, SC issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Sep 23, 9:11 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryGSPBurke109 min
Sep 24, 12:10 AM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryGSPMcDowell110 min

Nearby

Flash Flood Warnings in North Carolina, 2018Every flash flood warning in 2018

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.