Severe · Flash Flood WarningActive alert
Flash Flood Warning issued September 23 at 1:15AM EDT until September 23
Affecting Buncombe, NC; Henderson, NC; McDowell, NC; Polk, NC; Rutherford, NC
In effect until: Sep 23, 2026, 9:45 AM
Buncombe, NC; Henderson, NC; McDowell, NC; Polk, NC; Rutherford, NC
Likely impact across 5 counties in NC; effects through 9:45 AM.
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.
Read the original bulletin (official text)
At 115 AM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2.5 and 4 inches of rain have fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Lake Lure, Chimney Rock Village, Chimney Rock State Park, Bat Cave and Gerton. Flood stage is currently 7.43 feet at the Rocky Broad River near Bat Cave. Homes and campgrounds near the river gage will begin to flood if the river gets above 7.5 feet.
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Alert data: U.S. National Weather Service / NOAA · Translation: WeatherTranslate™