Rabun County under Flash Flood Watch
Rabun County and surrounding areas have been placed under a Flash Flood Watch which will be in effect until Friday according to the National Weather Service.
A low-pressure system stretching from the Midwest to the central coast of the Gulf of Mexico will transport deep moisture across the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia through the week.
Several rounds of heavy rain showers and thunderstorms will result from this influx of moisture. As the ground moistens and stream levels rise, the threat of flash flooding will increase with any heavy downpours moving repeatedly over the same location.
Periods of heavy rainfall have already started across the region. After a slight overnight lull, periods of heavy rain showers and thunderstorms will return in earnest today and last through at least Friday morning. Expect widespread storm total rainfall amounts of 3 to 5 inches across the mountains and immediately adjacent foothills, with localized amounts up to 6 inches possible.
While rainfall will be less over the lower piedmont closer to the Charlotte Metro area, 2 to 3 inches of rain is likely with locally 4 inches possible. Of course, realize that just one hour of repeated thunderstorms over a location could quickly produce 2 to 3 inch rainfall totals. As soils saturate, flash flooding will become increasingly likely across the area.
The heavy rainfall may produce flooding on area streams and creeks, and possibly on some main stem rivers by later in the week. Pay close attention to rainfall totals in the mountains this week since locations with steep slopes will see an increase in the potential for isolated landslides once rainfall exceeds five inches.
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.
You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:
- Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
- Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
- Be aware of stream, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rain.
- Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
- Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be swept away quickly.
- Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers or creeks, particularly during threatening conditions.