Alert archive / North Carolina / Flash Flood Warnings in 2021

Flash Flood Warning 40, NWS Greenville-Spartanburg, SC

October 7, 2021Buncombe County, McDowell County, Rutherford County, North Carolina

NWS Greenville-Spartanburg, SC issued this flash flood warning at Oct 7, 2021, 7:34 AM EDT for Buncombe County, McDowell County, Rutherford County, North Carolina. It was in force for 7 hr. 5 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
Oct 7, 2021, 7:34 AM EDT (11:34 UTC)
Expired
Oct 7, 2021, 2:25 PM EDT
In force
7 hr
Issued by
NWS Greenville-Spartanburg, SC
Area
Storm-based polygon
Flood severity
None

Counties Buncombe County, NC, McDowell County, NC, Rutherford County, NC

The radar

The Greer radar (KGSP), 80 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 11:35 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
Oct 7, 8:30 AM EDTFLASH FLOOD6 Ene Lake Lure, NCDEBRIS FLOW ALONG BILLS CREEK ROAD. FLASH FLOODING ALONG CEDAR CREEK, 10-15 HOUSES EXPERIENCED FLOOD DAMAGE. CAMPERS AND A VEHICLE WASHED DOWN CEDAR CREEK NEEDING SWIFT WATER RESCUES.
Oct 7, 9:00 AM EDTFLASH FLOOD2 Wsw Marion, NCEMERGENCY MNGR REPORTED NUMEROUS WATER RESCUES IN MCDOWELL COUNTY. FLASH FLOODING CONTINUES ON SMALL STREAMS ACROSS MCDOWELL. MULTIPLE DEBRIS FLOWS REPORTED.
Oct 7, 10:00 AM EDTFLASH FLOOD1 Ssw Marion, NCBROADCAST MEDIA REPORTED FLASH FLOOD ON ROADWAYS ON SUGAR HILL RD
Oct 7, 11:00 AM EDTFLASH FLOOD2 Wsw Marion, NCA PORTION OF NIX CREEK RD WASHED OUT.
Oct 7, 12:30 PM EDTFLASH FLOODMarion, NCAFTER RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 6 TO 7 INCHES THIS MORNING, SCATTERED OCCURRENCES OF FLASH FLOODING, FLOODWATERS INTO STRUCTURES, WATER RESCUES, DEBRIS FLOWS AND WASHOUTS OF CULVERTS AND PRIVATE BRIDGES OCCURRED ACROSS MCDOWELL COUNTY.

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

The nearest sounding before it

Greensboro/Hi Pt, NC (KGSO), launched 00:00Z, 11.6 hours before the alert went out and 208 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 2021-10-07Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 276 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°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 2021-10-07The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 6 square meters per square second.193958Sfc1 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
276 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-9 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
872 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
9 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
6 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
55 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

363 
WGUS52 KGSP 071134
FFWGSP
NCC021-111-161-071430-
/O.NEW.KGSP.FF.W.0040.211007T1134Z-211007T1430Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
734 AM EDT Thu Oct 7 2021

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  Eastern Buncombe County in western North Carolina...
  Southwestern McDowell County in western North Carolina...
  Northwestern Rutherford County in western North Carolina...

* Until 1030 AM EDT.

* At 734 AM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing 
  heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain 
  have fallen since early this morning. Additional rainfall amounts 
  of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding 
  is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

  HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

  SOURCE...Radar.

  IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban
           areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as
           other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Marion, Lake Lure, Old Fort, Chimney Rock Village, Chimney Rock 
  State Park, Lake James, Sugar Hill, Pleasant Gardens and Shingle 
  Hollow.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

When it is safe to do so, please report flooding or landslides 
threatening roads or property to the National Weather Service 
Greenville-Spartanburg 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 specific location where 
impacts occurred and the depth of flooding observed.

&&

LAT...LON 3564 8222 3573 8203 3571 8196 3544 8211
      3545 8225

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED

$$

Lane
3 follow-up statements
636 
WGUS72 KGSP 071216
FFSGSP

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
816 AM EDT Thu Oct 7 2021

NCC021-111-161-071430-
/O.CON.KGSP.FF.W.0040.000000T0000Z-211007T1430Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Buncombe NC-McDowell NC-Rutherford NC-
816 AM EDT Thu Oct 7 2021

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1030 AM EDT THIS 
MORNING FOR EASTERN BUNCOMBE, SOUTHWESTERN MCDOWELL AND NORTHWESTERN 
RUTHERFORD COUNTIES...

At 816 AM EDT, Emergency management reported thunderstorms producing 
flash flooding across the warned area. Between 2 and 4 inches of 
rain have fallen since early this morning. Additional rainfall 
amounts of around an inch.

HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing
         flash flooding.

SOURCE...Emergency management reported.

IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams,
         urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Marion, Lake Lure, Old Fort,Sugar Hill, Pleasant Gardens and 
  Shingle Hollow.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

Heavy rain is increasing the risk of landslides, especially in areas 
where slides have occurred in the past. Be especially alert if you 
are near a stream, especially at the base of a mountain or in a 
cove. Watch for loose-moving soil and rocks or a sudden increase in 
streamflow. Leave the area quickly if this is observed. When driving 
along roads where the terrain is steep or rocky, watch and listen 
for falling rocks, mud, trees and other debris.

&&

LAT...LON 3564 8222 3573 8203 3571 8196 3544 8211
      3545 8225

FLASH FLOOD...OBSERVED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE

$$

Lane
400 
WGUS52 KGSP 071424
FFWGSP
NCC021-111-161-072030-
/O.EXT.KGSP.FF.W.0040.000000T0000Z-211007T2030Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
1024 AM EDT Thu Oct 7 2021

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has extended 
the

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  Eastern Buncombe County in western North Carolina...
  Southwestern McDowell County in western North Carolina...
  Northwestern Rutherford County in western North Carolina...

* Until 430 PM EDT Thursday.

* At 1024 AM EDT, Emergency management reported flash flooding 
  continues across McDowell County. Between 2 and 5 inches of rain 
  have fallen since early this morning. Additional heavy rainfall is 
  not expected through the remainder of the morning hours, however, 
  stay weather aware as additional heavy rainfall is possible later 
  today and new rounds of flooding may develop.

  HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms
           producing flash flooding.

  SOURCE...Emergency management reported.

  IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams,
           urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Marion, Lake Lure, Old Fort, Chimney Rock Village, Chimney Rock 
  State Park, Lake James, Sugar Hill, Pleasant Gardens and Shingle 
  Hollow.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Heavy rain is increasing the risk of landslides, especially in areas 
where slides have occurred in the past. Be especially alert if you 
are near a stream, especially at the base of a mountain or in a 
cove. Watch for loose-moving soil and rocks or a sudden increase in 
streamflow. Leave the area quickly if this is observed. When driving 
along roads where the terrain is steep or rocky, watch and listen 
for falling rocks, mud, trees and other debris.

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

&&

LAT...LON 3564 8222 3573 8203 3571 8196 3544 8211
      3545 8225

FLASH FLOOD...OBSERVED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE

$$

JMP
520 
WGUS72 KGSP 071825
FFSGSP

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
225 PM EDT Thu Oct 7 2021

NCC021-111-161-071835-
/O.CAN.KGSP.FF.W.0040.000000T0000Z-211007T2030Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Buncombe NC-McDowell NC-Rutherford NC-
225 PM EDT Thu Oct 7 2021

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR EASTERN BUNCOMBE, 
SOUTHWESTERN MCDOWELL AND NORTHWESTERN RUTHERFORD COUNTIES...

The Flash Flood Warning has been replaced by a Flood Warning since 
the flash flood threat has passed but area streams remain above 
bankfull levels.  Please continue to obey all barricades and avoid 
flooded roadways.

Additional heavy rainfall is possible later this afternoon and may 
cause new flooding to develop.  Please stay weather aware and have 
multiple ways to receive warnings if additional flooding occurs.  A 
Flash Flood Watch remains in effect until 800 AM EDT Friday for 
portions of northeast Georgia, western North Carolina and upstate 
South Carolina.

LAT...LON 3564 8222 3573 8203 3571 8196 3544 8211
      3545 8225

$$

JMP

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Oct 7, 12:20 AM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryGSPAvery, Caldwell2 hr
Oct 7, 6:40 AM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryGSPBuncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Transylvania3 hr
Oct 7, 6:59 AM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryGSPTransylvania5 hr
Oct 7, 7:08 AM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryGSPJackson, Macon, Transylvania3 hr
Oct 7, 8:10 AM EDTFlash Flood WarningGSPHenderson, Rutherford3 hr
Oct 7, 9:05 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGSPBurke55 min
Oct 7, 9:25 AM EDTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatGSPBurke, McDowell5 hr
Oct 7, 9:41 AM EDTRiver Flood AdvisoryGSPBuncombe, Henderson3 days
Oct 7, 9:41 AM EDTRiver Flood AdvisoryGSPBuncombe17 hr
Oct 7, 9:46 AM EDTRiver Flood WarningGSPHenderson, Transylvania68 hr
Oct 7, 10:53 AM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryGSPTransylvania6 hr
Oct 7, 11:03 AM EDTFlash Flood WarningGSPBurke6 hr
Oct 7, 11:19 AM EDTAreal Flood WarningGSPHenderson, Rutherford6 hr
Oct 7, 11:49 AM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryGSPHenderson, Polk8 hr
Oct 7, 1:02 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryGSPMacon, Swain8 hr
Oct 7, 2:01 PM EDTAreal Flood WarningGSPBurke, McDowell4 hr

Nearby

Flash Flood Warnings in North Carolina, 2021Every flash flood warning in 2021

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.