5 inches of rain could fall overnight in parts of NC mountains, prompting flood watch

As much as 5 inches of rain could fall in isolated parts of North Carolina’s mountains over the next 24 hours, prompting the National Weather Service to issue flood watches.

The deluge will coincide with a massive cold front that is bringing heavy snow and ice in the north and heavy rain to the southeast.

It is expected to make its biggest impact on western North Carolina from 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, through 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, forecasters say. Those times coincide with the flood watch.

Among the counties in the flood watch area: Graham, Haywood, Macon, Jackson, Swain and Transylvania in southwest North Carolina, and portions of Oconee and Pickens in South Carolina.

“Rainfall amount of 2 to 4 inches is expected between now (Feb. 3) and Friday (Feb. 4), with localized totals up to 5 inches,” forecasters said.

“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. ... Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.”

Isolated lightning strikes are possible and wind gusts of 40 mph may occur in the watch area, forecasters said.

Temperatures are expected to remain above freezing as the front passes. But lows will fall into the 20s in the days that follow.

The rain is part of “a large-scale and massive winter storm” creating havoc across the country.

“Heavy snow is expected from the southern Plains to northern New England, while heavy ice accretion is likely from Arkansas to Pennsylvania,” NWS officials say.

“In the warm sector across the South, heavy rain, flash flooding and severe thunderstorms are possible with the latter producing damaging winds.”

The N.C. counties included in the flood watch saw catastrophic flooding in August 2021. At least six people were killed in Haywood County, when 8 to 12 inches of rain fell, McClatchy News reported.

Rivers overflowed into streets and neighborhoods, lifting homes off foundations and carrying vehicles away. As many as 15 bridges were damaged or destroyed, county officials reported.

This story was originally published February 3, 2022 at 12:36 PM.