Press release from the city of Asheville. I’m posting this late, but it’s still worth noting:
FLOOD WARNING ISSUED FOR ASHEVILLE AREA UNTIL 8:45 P.M.
Posted 7:45 p.m.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Asheville area until 8:45 p.m.
A flood warning means that flooding has been reported or is imminent.
Citizens are urged to take precautions around flooded roadways or streams.
“Most flood fatalities are the result of citizens driving into flooded streets, and so we want to remind drivers to avoid roadways covered with water,” said Interim Fire Chief Scott Burnette.
Information provided by the National Weather Service showed the Swannanoa River at 2.96 feet at 6 p.m. in the Biltmore Village area. Current information forecasts the Swannanoa River cresting at 4.7 feet, slightly more than seven feet below flood stage, at around 8 p.m.
The French Broad River was at 6.43 feet in Asheville at 6 p.m. Forecasts show the river cresting at seven feet at 8 a.m. Flood stage for the French Broad River in Asheville is eight feet.
“Although current information shows the two rivers staying within their banks during this rain event, localized flooding may still occur in certain places along both rivers, or around smaller streams and creeks,” said Burnette.
At this time, flooding has been reported in the French Broad River Park area near the intersection of Amboy Road and Lyman Street. Other areas of immediate concern include small streams and creeks that are prone to flash flooding.
As of this morning, the lake level at the North Fork Reservoir was more than four feet below normal. City officials will continue to monitor the lake level to ensure potential downstream flooding is minimized.
To report flooding or high water, please dial 9-1-1.
Current weather and river level information is available through the resources listed below.
For updates on watches, warnings and advisories issued by the National Weather Service for the Asheville area, visit http://www.nws.noaa.gov/alerts/nc.html.
For information about emergency preparedness, visit http://www.ready.gov/.
The National Weather Service’s Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service is available at http://newweb.erh.noaa.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=gsp.
For information about the level of the Swannanoa River at Biltmore, visit http://newweb.erh.noaa.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=gsp&gage=bltn7&view=1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1.
For information about the level of the French Broad River at Asheville, visit http://newweb.erh.noaa.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=gsp&gage=bltn7&view=1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1.
