Flash Flooding and Flooding in North Carolina, May 29 to 31, 2018

Name: Flash Flooding and Flooding in North Carolina, May 29 to 31, 2018
Start: 2018-05-29T10:00
End: 2018-05-31T19:00
Location: North Carolina

May 29 to 31, 2018 · NWS GSP · 15 events in 9 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $669,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 15

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS GSP wrote it up.

A very moist southeast flow developed northeast of subtropical cyclone Alberto, which made landfall across the western Florida Peninsula on the 28th and moved north across Alabama throughout the 29th. Resultant upslope flow into the southern Appalachians resulted in development of widespread heavy rain showers across western North Carolina throughout the 29th, with activity being most concentrated along the eastern escarpment of the Blue Ridge. By the time the showers tapered off during the 30th, total rainfall of 7-10 inches occurred along the Blue Ridge. This resulted in fairly widespread flash flooding followed by an extended period of high stream flow, with McDowell County being the hardest hit area.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, 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 the first event at May 29, 9:35 AM EST, 25 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 29, 9:35 AM EST, 25 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
1035 AM EDT Tue May 29 2018

.SYNOPSIS...
Deep tropical moisture will persist over the area through Wednesday
as the remnants of Alberto move northward from Alabama to Kentucky
and eventually to the Great Lakes. A moist airmass will persist into
Friday before southerly flow shifts more to the west. Slightly drier
air will mix in from the west over the weekend.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
As of 1025 AM EDT Tuesday: A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect for
the entire CWFA as abundant tropical moisture continues to stream in
across the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia. Subtropical
Depression Alberto continues to make gradual progression northward
late this morning as latest satellite imagery depicts the center of
circulation over south-central AL. Over the past hour or so, a lull
in precipitation has occurred over the Upstate and parts of the
Piedmont as cloud cover has sct out to some degree.

With the remnants of Alberto projected to move up into TN this
afternoon, a few breaks in the stratus layer and daytime heating are
expected across our FA. This will allow for the coverage of showers
and thunderstorms to return, becoming widespread in nature. As
guidance continues to suggest, CAPE values will climb to 1500 to
2000 J/kg along the I-85 corridor, along with 0-3km SRH 100 to 200
m2/s2 and limited low level wind shear becoming available. Thus, in
additional to localized flooding and mountain landslides, the risk
for severe weather becomes a concern as well. Latest CAMs continue
to highlight a few discrete cells developing along with a band of
convection this afternoon as the placement of our FA will be on the
east side of this system. Isolated brief/weak tornadoes and/or
downbursts cannot be entirely ruled out. Again, localized flooding
and mountain landslides will continue to be a concern as well as
abundant tropical moisture continues to infiltrate into the area.
Periods of heavy rainfall are expected throughout the near term
forecast period. Given already saturated grounds, will also note
that, even a marginal wind gusts, it won't take much to bring down a
few trees. Into tonight, the severe weather risk is expected to
wane, as showers and isolated thunderstorms will linger.
Temperatures will remain around to just below normal.

&&

.SHORT TERM /WEDNESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...
As of 315 AM Tuesday: The remnant circulation of Alberto will
gradually get absorbed into the northern stream trough as it moves
north of the Ohio Valley toward the Great Lakes on Wednesday.
However, a continued south to southwest fetch of moisture will
persist along the southern Appalachians and continuing the FFA
through this period over the mountains still seems warranted given
the saturated conditions and PWAT values above 1.75 inches in
profiles.

The resultant trough axis will linger west of the Appalachians on
Thursday and then cross the region Friday. Low level flow will turn
westerly Thursday and then more NW on Friday, and this flow regime
should focus the best PoPs over the mountains both days, though
instability will require decent shower chances east of the mountains
as well. Temperatures will steadily rebound to about 4 to 7 degrees
above climo by Friday afternoon.

&&

.LONG TERM /FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY/...
As of 345 AM Tuesday: A southern tier ridge will briefly build
heights back across the region from the west for the early half of
the weekend, as a weak surface frontal boundary settles southward
through the area to provide a very modest airmass change. However, a
digging northern stream trough will approach the southern and
central Appalachians Sunday and then cross the mountains on Monday.
There are considerable model differences in the strength and depth
of the late weekend/Monday system so will feature the highest chance
PoPs mainly across the northern tier, in line with the previous
forecasts. Above climo maxes on Saturday will dip below climo by
Monday, but with mild nighttime mins continuing.

&&

.AVIATION /15Z TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...
At KCLT and elsewhere: A mixture of MVFR/IFR/LIFR prevails across
the area this morning as bands of isolated to scattered showers and
a few embedded thunderstorms, low cigs, and intermittent periods of
patchy fog/heavy downpours persist. Do anticipate a lull in
precipitation as well as a possible brief improvement to MVFR
(possibly VFR in some locations) this morning as Subtropical
Depression Alberto continues to slowly trek northward through
central AL. Showers and thunderstorms will increase in coverage
again in the early afternoon hours as the system moves into TN,
allowing for afternoon daytime heating to occur and eventually
MVFR/IFR to return, prevailing through the remainder of the valid
TAF period. Heavy downpours and gusty winds will be possible in
stronger storms throughout the afternoon and evening hours. Coverage
of activity is expected to wane into the overnight hours, with
VCSH/VCTS still possible. Winds will overall be ENE 5 to 10 kts,
gradually veering to the ESE this afternoon and persisting through
the end of the valid TAF period.

Outlook: Expect continued rounds of scattered to widespread showers
and embedded thunderstorms along with low cigs and briefly reduced
vsbys as tropical moisture lingers through at least midweek. Drier
air begins to infiltrate in towards the end of the week, with
diurnal convection expected.

Confidence Table...

            14-20Z        20-02Z        02-08Z        08-12Z
KCLT       Med   79%     High  95%     High  90%     High  96%
KGSP       Med   79%     Med   73%     Med   66%     High  88%
KAVL       High  83%     High  83%     Med   66%     High 100%
KHKY       High  84%     Med   75%     High  89%     High  81%
KGMU       Med   79%     Med   75%     Med   65%     High  83%
KAND       High  97%     Med   69%     Med   62%     High  86%

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

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
Heavy rainfall over the past two weeks across much of the forecast
area, particularly the mountains, has set the stage for serious
flooding and landslide issues to possibly develop with any
additional tropical rainfall through mid-week. Numerical model
profiles exhibiting precipitable water values of 1.75 to 2 inches,
and deep warm cloud layers in excess of 12 kft, will make for highly
efficient heavy rainfall processes and further increase the threat
of flash flooding and river flooding. The latest 3/6 hour FFG
guidance values are generally running 2.0 to 3.5 inches and these
will be quite achievable in the expected waves of tropical rain
showers - especially across the higher terrain. Hydro problems will
likely continue through tonight, and possibly through Wednesday
night across the mountains.

&&

.GSP WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
GA...Flash Flood Watch through Thursday morning for GAZ010.
     Flash Flood Watch through Wednesday morning for GAZ017-018-026-
     028-029.
NC...Flash Flood Watch through Thursday morning for NCZ033-048>053-
     058-059-062>065-501>510.
     Flash Flood Watch through Wednesday morning for NCZ035>037-056-
     057-068>072-082.
SC...Flash Flood Watch through Thursday morning for SCZ001>003.
     Flash Flood Watch through Wednesday morning for SCZ004>014-019.

&&

SYNOPSIS...HG
NEAR TERM...JPT
SHORT TERM...HG
LONG TERM...HG
AVIATION...JPT/SGL
HYDROLOGY...PM

Hazardous weather outlook, May 29, 4:23 AM EST, 5 hours 37 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook...Corrected
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
523 AM EDT Tue May 29 2018

GAZ017-018-026-028-029-NCZ035>037-056-057-068>072-082-SCZ004>014-019-
300930-
Habersham-Stephens-Franklin-Hart-Elbert-Alexander-Iredell-Davie-
Catawba-Rowan-Cleveland-Lincoln-Gaston-Mecklenburg-Cabarrus-Union-
Greater Oconee-Greater Pickens-Greater Greenville-Spartanburg-
Cherokee-York-Anderson-Abbeville-Laurens-Chester-Greenwood-
523 AM EDT Tue May 29 2018

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the foothills and piedmont of
northeast Georgia and Upstate South Carolina, as well as the North
Carolina piedmont.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flash Flood Watch.

In addition to the flooding threat, thunderstorms embedded within
any bands of heavy rain showers may also produce cloud-to-ground
lightning strikes today and tonight. There is also a small chance of
isolated tornadoes or damaging downburst winds with a few of these
thunderstorms, with the greatest chance across northeast Georgia and
Upstate South Carolina.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

..Wednesday...Heavy rain with flooding possible.
..Thursday...Heavy rain with flooding possible.
..Friday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.
..Saturday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.
..Sunday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.
..Monday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Skywarn spotters are requested to forward any reports of large hail,
damaging winds, tornadoes, or flash flooding to our office.

GAZ010-NCZ033-048>053-058-059-062>065-501>510-SCZ001>003-300930-
Rabun-Avery-Madison-Yancey-Mitchell-Swain-Haywood-Buncombe-Graham-
Northern Jackson-Macon-Southern Jackson-Transylvania-Henderson-
Caldwell Mountains-Greater Caldwell-Burke Mountains-Greater Burke-
McDowell Mountains-Eastern McDowell-Rutherford Mountains-
Greater Rutherford-Polk Mountains-Eastern Polk-Oconee Mountains-
Pickens Mountains-Greenville Mountains-
523 AM EDT Tue May 29 2018

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the mountains of northeast
Georgia, western North Carolina, and Upstate South Carolina, as well
as the North Carolina foothills.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flash Flood Watch.

In addition to the flooding threat, thunderstorms embedded within
any bands of heavy rain showers may also produce cloud-to-ground
lightning strikes today and tonight. There is also a small chance of
isolated tornadoes or damaging downburst winds with a few of these
thunderstorms, with the greatest chance across the far southwest
mountains of North Carolina.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

..Wednesday...Heavy rain with flooding possible.
..Thursday...Heavy rain with flooding possible.
..Friday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.
..Saturday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.
..Sunday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.
..Monday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Skywarn spotters are requested to forward any reports of large hail,
damaging winds, tornadoes, or flash flooding to our office.

HG

In the hours before

Local storm report, May 29, 9:52 AM EST, 8 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC
1052 AM EDT TUE MAY 29 2018

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

1051 AM     HEAVY RAIN       CORNELIA                34.51N 83.53W
05/29/2018  M3.25 INCH       HABERSHAM          GA   FIRE DEPT/RESCUE

            MEASURED SINCE MIDNIGHT.

&&

TPALMER

Local storm report, May 29, 9:56 AM EST, 4 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC
1056 AM EDT TUE MAY 29 2018

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

1055 AM     HEAVY RAIN       GRANITE FALLS           35.80N 81.43W
05/29/2018  M1.65 INCH       CALDWELL           NC   AMATEUR RADIO

            1.65 INCHES IN THE PAST 30 MINUTES.

&&

TPALMER

The radar

The Greer radar (KGSP), 63 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 15:00 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

9 flash flood, 6 flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Flood, Rutherford

When: May 29, 10:00 AM EST to May 30, 12:00 AM EST
Where: Rutherford County, 1.97 mi NW of Chimney Rock to 1.93 mi NE of Chimney Rock
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 35.449, -82.276

A stream gauge on the Rocky Broad River at Bat Cave indicated moderate flooding developed along the river through the Hickory Nut Gorge. Several side roads and a few homes off of Highway 64 were flooded. In addition, there were multiple small slope failures in Chimney Rock State Park, one of which collapsed a retaining wall along the edge of the main parking lot. Total rainfall amounts of 7-10 inches occurred in the area from the 29th through the 30th.

Flood, Transylvania

When: May 29, 1:20 PM EST to May 31, 7:00 PM EST
Where: Transylvania County, 0.93 mi ESE of Calhoun to 0.56 mi W of Grange
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $500
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 35.243, -82.636

A stream gauge on the Little River exceeded its established flood stage and remained in minor flood conditions for more than 48 hours. The main impact was to lowlands along the stream and to Cascade Lake Rd, which was covered by more than a foot of water in spots. Total rainfall from of around 5 inches fell uniformly over the basin from the 29th through the 30th. The long duration of the flooding was partly due to backwater affects from the French Broad River, where moderate flooding was occurring near Blantyre for much of this time frame.

Flash Flood, Buncombe

When: May 29, 1:30 PM EST to May 30, 12:00 AM EST
Where: Buncombe County, 1.05 mi NW of Black Mtn to 0.92 mi NE of Grovestone
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 35.610, -82.334

A stream gauge indicated and county comms confirmed flash flooding developed along the Swannanoa River in the Black Mountain area after 2 to 3 inches or rain fell across the area in just a few hours. This was after stream levels were already elevated due to heavy rain that fell on the 28th. The main impact was to areas around Veterans Park, including Veterans park Dr. The stream briefly fell below flood stage during late afternoon, but another round of heavy rain during the evening quickly sent it back above flood stage, where it crested at moderate flood stage before beginning to recede during late evening. Total rainfall of 4 to 6 inches was reported in the area on the 29th.

Flood, Henderson

When: May 29, 2:00 PM EST to May 30, 12:00 AM EST
Where: Henderson County, 0.66 mi WNW of Bat Cave to 0.24 mi WNW of Bat Cave
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 35.455, -82.290

A stream gauge on the Rocky Broad River at Bat Cave indicated the river exceeded its established flood stage, flooding campgrounds and some secondary roads.

Flash Flood, McDowell

When: May 29, 3:00 PM EST to May 30, 5:30 AM EST
Where: McDowell County, 2.98 mi W of Greenlee to 1.65 mi NNE of Pleasant Gardens
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 35.669, -82.153

Media, Em, Stream gauges, and other sources indicated significant flash flooding developed across mainly western McDowell county after 4 to 6 inches of rain fell during the morning and afternoon of the 29th. The Catawba River exceeded its established Flood Stage according to a gauge in pleasant gardens, and most of the issues were due to the river and its tributaries. The Catawba overflowed its banks near its headwaters in Old Fort, with much of the downtown roads flooded and water entering many businesses. Swift water rescues were required at a couple of locations in the Old Fort area, including on Bat Cave Rd and Catawba River Rd. Closer to Marion, a structure collapsed under the weight of flood water on Roby Conley Rd. Several tractor trailer trucks became stalled in flood water on Columbia Carolina Rd near Old Fort, with at least one truck getting swept into the river. At least one campground was flooded and evacuated near Marion, while multiple roads were flooded due to small stream flooding throughout western McDowell County, including Cane Creek Rd, Hebron Rd, and Old Fort Sugar Hill Rd. Several mudslides also occurred throughout the area, including one that blocked and closed Interstate 40 near mile marker 67. A number of trees also fell in the saturated soil, including one that fell on a vehicle on Lytle Mountain Rd.

Flash Flood, Caldwell

When: May 29, 5:00 PM EST to 9:30 PM EST
Where: Caldwell County, 1.44 mi NE of Yadkin Vly to 1.34 mi SSW of Yadkin Vly
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: County Official
Coordinates: 36.015, -81.502

County comms and other sources reported flash flooding developed across central Caldwell County after 2 to 3 inches of rain fell in just a few hours. Zachs Fork Creek overflowed its banks in the city of Lenoir and flooded several yards. Highway 268 was flooded where Buffalo Creek flows into the Yadkin River. Blairs Fork Rd was flooded and closed due to Long Branch overflowing its banks in the Lenoir area. Indian Grave Rd was also flooded by a stream at Tuttle Rd.

Flash Flood, Burke

When: May 29, 5:00 PM EST to 9:00 PM EST
Where: Burke County, 3.1 mi SSW of Table Rock to 2.75 mi WSW of Joy
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: County Official
Coordinates: 35.787, -81.836

County comms and other sources reported flash flooding developed in northwest Burke County after 3 to 6 inches of rain fell throughout the 29th, with a good portion of that falling during the evening. Canoe Creek flooded a portion of Browning View Rd. Upper Creek overflowed its banks and flooded Highway 181 at Brown Mountain Beach Rd. Warrior Fork flooded Bost Rd at Spainhour Rd, where a swift water rescue of a motorist occurred.

Flash Flood, Rutherford

When: May 29, 5:30 PM EST to 7:30 PM EST
Where: Rutherford County, 1.97 mi NW of Chimney Rock to 1.93 mi NE of Chimney Rock
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 35.449, -82.276

In the midst of a more general flood event after which the level briefly began receding, a stream gauge on the Rocky Broad River at Bat Cave indicated a rapid increase in the river level as a series of heavy rain showers moved over the area during the late afternoon and evening. The river continued rising through the evening, cresting shortly after midnight.

Flash Flood, Polk

When: May 29, 5:45 PM EST to May 30, 12:00 AM EST
Where: Polk County, 1.43 mi W of Valhalla to 1.03 mi NNW of Mt Vly
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 35.217, -82.295

County comms and the media reported that flash flooding developed across western Polk County for the 2nd time in less than two weeks, after 4 to 6 inches of rain fell throughout the 29th into the 30th, with much of that occurring over a couple of hours during the evening. The most significant flooding was along Brights Creek west of Lake Adger, which overflowed its banks and flooded multiple bridges, effectively cutting off the Brights Creek community for a brief time. Highway 64 was closed due to flooding along the North Pacolet, where a mobile home park was also evacuated. Additional closed roads included Green River Cove Rd, Holbert Cove Rd, and Warrior Drive (due to a tributary of the North Pacolet).

Flash Flood, Henderson

When: May 29, 6:00 PM EST to May 30, 12:00 AM EST
Where: Henderson County, 0.66 mi WNW of Bat Cave to 1.87 mi N of Bat Cave
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 35.455, -82.290

County comms and stream gauges indicated flash flooding developed across central and northeast Henderson County after a series of heavy rain showers moved over areas with already-saturated ground. Mud Creek and Bat Fork Creek flooded several roads in downtown and on the east side of Hendersonville. Howard Gap Rd was closed northeast of Hendersonville due to flooding along Clear Creek. Multiple small streams also flooded in the Dana area, including Reedypatch Creek, which flooded Highway 64 at Hog Rock Rd. Several other roads were flooded in this area. Meanwhile, in the midst of a more general flood event along the Rocky Broad River near Bat Cave, just when the level briefly began receding, a stream gauge indicated a rapid increase in the river level. The river continued rising through the evening, cresting shortly after midnight. Multiple small to medium size landslides and downed trees were also reported throughout this area, some of which blocked roads.

Flash Flood, Yancey

When: May 29, 9:45 PM EST to May 30, 1:00 AM EST
Where: Yancey County, 1.91 mi NNW of Busick to 1.84 mi SSW of Hamrick
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 35.794, -82.197

Media and a stream gauge indicated the South Toe River and some of its tributaries overflowed and their banks and flooded roads in eastern Yancey County after 4 to 6 inches of rain fell in the headwaters throughout the 29th, with much of that falling during the evening hours. Multiple roads along the river flooded, including Hannah Branch Rd, Halls Chapel Rd, and Wyatt Town Rd. Backwater effects from the river also caused Colbert Creek to flood Colberts Creek Rd and Middle Creek to flood Rock Creek Rd.

Flood, Buncombe

When: May 29, 10:00 PM EST to May 30, 1:00 PM EST
Where: Buncombe County, 0.94 mi ESE of Grovemont to 0.79 mi NE of Azalea
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 35.614, -82.385

Stream gauge on county comms reported flooding along the Swannanoa River basin. Backwater effects near the town of Swannanoa caused a tributary to flood Azalea Road. The river was also reported to be flooding low-lying areas in the Oteen community. Thr river crested just below moderate flood stage in Biltmore Village, sending water over portions of Swannanoa River Rd and flooding businesses between the river and the railroad tracks in the village. While only around 2 inches of rain fell in the Asheville area from the 29th through the 30th, the bulk of the flood water originated from the headwaters near Black Mountain, where as much as 10 inches fell during this time.

Flash Flood, Caldwell

When: May 29, 10:00 PM EST to May 30, 4:00 AM EST
Where: Caldwell County, 0.52 mi NE of Edgemont to 0.52 mi SSE of Mortimer
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 36.005, -81.763

A stream gauge on Wilson Creek indicated flash flooding developed along the stream for the second time in less than two weeks after 2 to 4 inches of rain fell over the basin throughout the 29th, with much of that falling during the evening. Brown Mountain Bech Rd was flooded as was a part of Edgemont Rd.

Flood, Caldwell

When: May 30, 2:00 AM EST to 10:00 AM EST
Where: Caldwell County, 0.94 mi NNE of Collettsville to 0.56 mi NW of Collettsville
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $500
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 35.933, -81.675

A stream gauge on Johns River in Burke County exceeded its established flood stage, indicating flooding along the river upstream in Caldwell County after 4 to 6 inches of rain fell in the basin throughout the 29th and early part of the 30th. Highway 90 was flooded north of Collettsville.

Flood, Burke

When: May 30, 2:00 AM EST to 10:00 AM EST
Where: Burke County, 4 mi E of Joy to 3.26 mi NW of Chesterfield
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 35.874, -81.709

What these are

Flood: Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.
Flash Flood: Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in North Carolina in 2018 Every state in 2018 This day in weather history Warnings in North Carolina, May 2018

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 760006, 759568, 760020, 760009, 760095, 760067, 760069, 760016, 760042, 760019, 760056, 759569, 760068, 760085, 760086.