Heavy thunderstorms turned early Monday into a soggy wake-up call for parts of western North Carolina, as a flash flood warning lit up the Piedmont before sunrise on July 13. The alert covered Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties, where forecasters said flash flooding was already occurring or expected to start soon. Radar picked up intense rain bursts capable of sending runoff racing into streets, low-lying neighborhoods and underpasses. Officials urged drivers to steer clear of water-covered roads and to head for higher ground if flooding begins.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, the flash flood warning was issued at 1:53 a.m. EDT and set to expire at 5 a.m. EDT. Doppler radar and automated rain gauges showed 2 to 4 inches of rain had already fallen, with rainfall rates of 1 to 3 inches an hour. Forecasters said another 1 to 2 inches were possible, increasing the risk of small-stream and urban flooding in the warned area.
As reported by The News & Observer, the NWS repeated its now-familiar safety line: "turn around, don't drown," and warned that "most cars can be swept away by just 12 inches of rushing water." The outlet noted that flooding of small creeks, streets and underpasses is the main concern with these fast-hitting downpours. Local emergency managers asked residents to report flooding they see to law enforcement so it can be passed along to forecasters.
Where flooding is most likely
The warning singled out North Central Cleveland County, Northwestern Gaston County and Western Lincoln County, including Lincolnton, Cherryville, Belwood, Boger City, Vale and Crouse, as areas that could see flash flooding, according to the National Weather Service. Creeks and spots with poor drainage in these communities can rise quickly, turning roads that are usually no problem into sudden hazards.
Advice for drivers and residents
Do not try to drive through water covering a road, even if it looks shallow. Turn around, find another route and report dangerous conditions when you can do so safely. If you live in a low-lying or flood-prone area, move vehicles and valuables to higher ground when it is safe, and follow any evacuation guidance from local officials. Keep phones charged, stay tuned to local emergency channels and be extra careful driving at night, when it is harder to spot floodwater, the News & Observer reported.
Stay updated
Monitor local emergency outlets and NOAA/NWS updates for any extensions or cancellations of the warning, and avoid traveling in threatened areas until waters recede. If you see life-threatening flooding, call 911 and follow instructions from emergency responders.
