Flash Flood Watch from TUE 8:00 AM EDT until WED 2:00 PM EDT

Greenville-Spartanburg – SC, US, National Weather Service

Greater Oconee County

…FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM EDT THIS MORNING THROUGH WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON… The Flash Flood Watch continues for Portions of northeast Georgia, western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina, including the following areas in northeast Georgia:  Habersham, Rabun and Stephens.

In western North Carolina: Avery, Buncombe, Burke Mountains, Caldwell Mountains, Eastern McDowell, Eastern Polk, Graham, Greater Burke, Greater Caldwell, Greater Rutherford, Haywood, Henderson, Macon, Madison, McDowell Mountains, Mitchell, Northern Jackson, Polk Mountains, Rutherford Mountains, Southern Jackson, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey.

In upstate South Carolina: Greater Oconee, Greater Pickens, Greenville Mountains, Oconee Mountains and Pickens Mountains.

From 8 AM EDT this morning through Wednesday afternoon. Showers and thunderstorms will gradually increase in coverage throughout the day as Tropical Depression Ida moves across the Tennessee Valley. Widespread showers and a few thunderstorms will remain across the area through tonight before tapering off during the day Wednesday.

The heaviest rainfall is expected this afternoon through this evening in the Watch area. Storm total rainfall of 3 to 6 inches is expected near the southern facing upslope favored areas along the North and South Carolina border west to the Georgia-North Carolina border. Totals of 1 to 3 inches are possible across the rest of the Watch area. Locally higher amounts are possible. The expected heavy rainfall will result in some streams and creeks overflowing their banks, likely flooding some roadways. Minor main stem river flooding is also possible. Deep ponding of water in low-lying and poor drainage areas may also flood some roadways. Steeply sloped terrain may be more susceptible to landslides than is normal due to the heavy rain that fell across the area two weeks ago.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… Rainfall of more than five inches in similar storms has been associated with an increased risk of landslides and rockslides. If you live on a mountainside or in a cove at the base of a mountain, especially near a stream, be ready to leave in advance of the storm or as quickly as possible should rising water, moving earth, or rocks threaten. Consider postponing travel along mountain roads during periods of heavy rainfall.