Late-afternoon downpours rolled across McDowell County on Wednesday, dumping enough rain to trigger a flood advisory for the central part of the county as water collected in low hollows and along small creeks. Forecasters warned that brief bursts of heavy rain could send shallow sheets of water sliding over roads in the usual flood-prone spots.
According to a report from the Charlotte Observer, the National Weather Service office in Greenville-Spartanburg issued the advisory at 4:34 p.m. and said it would remain in effect until 7:30 p.m. Forecasters said that "flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected" and flagged Toms Creek and Johns Creek near Bald Mountain, along with low-water crossings on Hankins Road and Fish Hatchery Road, as the main areas of concern, according to the National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg.
Where flooding is most likely
The advisory covered central McDowell County within the upper Catawba River watershed, running from Pleasant Gardens through Marion toward the Lake James inlet. Marion, Lake James State Park, Pleasant Gardens and Nebo were all singled out as places that could see nuisance flooding. Doppler radar showed moderate to heavy showers with rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, and with soils already saturated, even a quick downpour could push shallow water across greenways and roadways, per the NWS Greenville-Spartanburg.
How to stay safe
Officials urged residents to head for higher ground when needed and to stay out of floodwater, whether on foot or behind the wheel. "Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet," and "most cars can be swept away by just 12 inches of rushing water," as reported by the Charlotte Observer. If you hit a flooded roadway, the advice is simple and non-negotiable: turn around and find another route. For emergencies, call 911 and keep an eye on local media and official channels for road-closure updates.
McDowell County's planning materials note that some hollows and low-water crossings tend to flood again and again, and the county floodplain ordinance outlines regulated areas along with steps property owners can take to reduce their risk. For technical details and mitigation guidance, residents are directed to the county planning page on the McDowell County website.
This story will be updated if the advisory changes. For up-to-the-minute conditions, follow official messages from NWS Greenville-Spartanburg and McDowell County Emergency Management for alerts and information on road closures.
