Image Source: WLTX
Flood warning conditions are developing across Western North Carolina as heavy rain continues to soak the mountains, raising concerns about flash flooding, landslides and rising rivers. Forecasters warned Saturday that another round of downpours could affect vulnerable communities overnight.
The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg reported that some areas near the Blue Ridge Escarpment had already received about 3 inches of rain. Streams and creeks were rising, while rainfall projections increased slightly along southeast-facing mountain slopes.
Urgent flood warning as more rain targets Asheville
A flood watch remains in effect through 2 p.m. Sunday for much of Western North Carolina. Storm totals are expected to reach 2 to 4 inches across the watch area, with locally higher amounts possible along south- and east-facing slopes.
Forecasters are watching isolated bands of heavier rain that could drop 1 to 2 inches in as little as an hour. That type of rainfall can quickly overwhelm saturated ground, especially near steep slopes, streams and low-lying roads.
The National Weather Service said rainfall exceeding 5 inches within 24 hours has been linked to an increased risk of landslides during similar mountain storms. Residents should not assume that familiar roads or previously safe areas will remain passable.
Powerful threats remain in Buncombe County
Buncombe County emergency officials identified Black Mountain, the Broad River area, Fairview and Swannanoa as communities facing increased risks from heavy rain, flash flooding and landslides. Officials emphasized that flooding can occur anywhere in the county.
County officials said widespread catastrophic impacts like those experienced during Hurricane Helene are not expected. However, localized flooding, isolated landslides, fallen trees and power outages remain possible.
Residents who live near streams, low-lying areas or steep slopes—or whose homes and access roads have flooded before—are encouraged to consider relocating early while roads are still safe. All Buncombe County river parks are closed.
- Avoid flooded roads and never drive around barricades.
- Stay away from downed power lines and fallen trees.
- Keep emergency supplies, medications and flashlights ready.
- Monitor official weather and emergency alerts throughout the night.
Thousands remain without electricity
Power outages continued across the region as strong winds pushed trees onto utility lines in higher elevations. Duke Energy reported 95 active outages affecting 1,044 customers in Buncombe County at 5 p.m. Saturday.
Jackson County had 14 outages affecting 1,101 customers, while Macon County reported 31 outages affecting 933 customers. Together, those three counties had 3,078 Duke Energy customers without electricity.
French Broad Electric Membership Corporation also reported approximately 1,000 outages across its service territory. The cooperative warned that broken utility poles and difficult mountain conditions could delay restoration efforts.
Estimated restoration times varied by location, with some Buncombe County customers expected to regain service Sunday morning. Jackson and Macon counties were given estimated restoration times as late as Sunday night, although actual repairs may take longer depending on damage.
French Broad and Pigeon rivers under close watch
Flood advisories remain in effect for the French Broad River near Fletcher and the Pigeon River near Canton. Forecasters said both rivers could experience significant rises as runoff moves downstream from the mountains.
The upper French Broad watershed could receive 4 to 8 inches of rain, with isolated totals reaching 8 to 10 inches. The upper Pigeon River watershed was forecast to receive 4 to 9 inches, with isolated amounts of 10 to 11 inches.
Those projections apply to specific watersheds and do not represent rainfall totals for the Asheville area as a whole. Even so, low-lying farmland, parks, greenways and secondary roads near the rivers could experience shallow flooding.
The Pigeon River near Canton was forecast to rise above its advisory stage Sunday morning. The French Broad River near Fletcher was expected to crest above its advisory stage early Sunday afternoon. Residents near either river should continue checking updated forecasts because conditions can change quickly.
Strong winds ease, but mountain hazards continue
The strongest widespread winds appeared to have peaked across southwestern North Carolina, northeast Georgia and Upstate South Carolina by late Saturday afternoon. A preliminary 67 mph wind gust was reported near Mount Mitchell in Yancey County earlier in the day.
Gusty conditions could continue Saturday evening, particularly in the northern mountains and along the eastern Blue Ridge Escarpment. High wind and wind advisories remained in effect into Sunday morning for portions of the region.
The overall risk of flash flooding, landslides and damaging winds is expected to begin diminishing Sunday morning as the remnants of Isaias move farther north. Rivers may continue rising even after the heaviest rain ends.
How to stay safe during the flood warning
Buncombe County residents can sign up for emergency notifications by texting BCReady to 67283. Residents should report outages directly to their utility providers rather than calling 911.
Duke Energy customers can text OUT to 57801 or call 1-800-POWERON. French Broad Electric customers can call 1-800-222-6190. Weather conditions are expected to improve gradually, followed by mostly dry and warmer weather through the middle of next week.
Frequently asked questions about the flood warning
How long is the flood watch in effect?
The flood watch remains in effect until 2 p.m. Sunday for much of Western North Carolina. River levels may continue rising after the watch ends.
Which Asheville-area communities face the greatest risk?
Officials specifically identified Black Mountain, Fairview, Swannanoa and the Broad River area, although flooding and landslides can happen anywhere in Buncombe County.
Are the French Broad and Pigeon rivers expected to flood?
Both rivers are being closely monitored and could rise above advisory stages. Flooding is possible in low-lying areas, but conditions depend on additional rainfall and runoff.
What should residents do during the storm?
Avoid flooded roads, stay away from downed power lines, monitor official alerts and relocate early if your home or access road has flooded before.
