ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for central Buncombe County until midnight Thursday as heavy rain continues to fall across the Asheville area, causing flooding, stranded vehicles and dangerous road conditions.
Chris Justus, chief meteorologist for WYFF News 4, said radar estimates showed about 4 inches of rain had fallen in the Asheville area Thursday, including roughly 1.7 inches in the previous hour. He said the intense rainfall prompted the Flash Flood Warning for central Buncombe County.
At 6:05 p.m., the weather service said Doppler radar and automated rain gauges showed thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the county. Between 2 and 3 inches of rain had already fallen, with another 1 to 2 inches possible.
The warning includes downtown Asheville, East Asheville, West Asheville, North Asheville, Woodfin, Swannanoa, Weaverville, Biltmore Forest, Bent Creek, UNC Asheville, Enka, Leicester, Skyland, Warren Wilson College and Candler, along with portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Forecasters warned of flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, underpasses and other low-lying locations.
The weather service urged motorists to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” noting that most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.
The Flash Flood Warning is set to expire at midnight, while a flood advisory remains in effect until 12:30 a.m.
Flooding reported in Asheville
A person near the scene told 828newsNOW that Merrimon Avenue near Beaver Lake is blocked by vehicles that stopped because of floodwaters covering the roadway. Fire crews were seen headed in that direction.
The same source also reported a vehicle stranded in floodwaters behind The Fresh Market off Osborne Road, where water was covering portions of the roadway.
Flooding was also reported on parts of the Country Club of Asheville property.
Police in Woodfin are also reporting that part of Weaverville Road is closed because of flooding.
Flooding reported elsewhere in Western North Carolina
In Swain County, emergency officials are advising people to avoid Bryson Walk at Everett Street and Bryson Walk at Slope Street in Bryson City because of flooding.
“Do not attempt to drive through flooded roadways,” Swain County Emergency Management said, warning that conditions can change rapidly and urging drivers to use alternate routes.
In Graham County, a tree and possible landslide were reported on Joyce Kilmer Road in the Cheoah area.
In Canton, residents reported standing water covering part of the roadway near Wells Funeral Home, urging motorists to slow down and use caution.
Earlier Thursday, the National Weather Service said some communities along the Interstate 40 corridor and across the North Carolina mountains had already received 4 to 6 inches or more of rain, with additional showers and thunderstorms expected into the evening.
Officials continue to urge residents to avoid flooded roads, remain alert for rapidly changing conditions and never drive around barricades or through standing water.
828newsNOW is monitoring weather conditions, flooding reports and road closures across Western North Carolina. This developing story will be updated as additional information becomes available.
