The Western Carolinas face a significant and rare flood risk due to persistent heavy rainfall, potentially leading to catastrophic flooding in some areas. A combination of cold front passage and Tropical Storm Helene is expected to bring multi-inch rainfall totals through Friday.
The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg said in its Wednesday forecast discussion that "the potential for major to catastrophic flooding over parts of our forecast area is looking more likely.
Rounds of rain begin to expand across WNC and the Upstate Wednesday afternoon and evening ahead of a cold front. Rainfall rates will be enhanced with this activity thanks to a southeasterly flow pushing warm, moist air up our mountain slopes.Multi-inch rains are likely across parts of the area, especially the Blue Ridge Escarpment, through Thursday morning. Rain will continue to fall all day on Thursday. Rainfall rates pick up again Thursday night into Friday morning thanks to the approach of Helene.The current storm track takes the weakening storm west of the western Carolinas, putting us in that strong southeasterly flow, which will again maximize rainfall rates through Thursday night and Friday morning. Parts of the mountains could see 15" to 20" of total rainfall through Friday afternoon. The area will see widespread 8" to 12" rainfall.A Flood Watch is in effect through Friday afternoon. On this side of the storm track, there's also a threat of tornadoes from Thursday evening through Friday morning.Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for the entire area as tropical-storm force winds from 35 to 60 MPH are possible the next 48 hours.
Flood Risk Heavy Rain Western Carolinas Tropical Storm Helene Catastrophic Flooding
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