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NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SCFF.W 0018October 10, 2026

Flash Flood Warning: McDowell, NC

The National Weather Service office in Greenville-Spartanburg issued a flash flood warning for McDowell in North Carolina, in force until 4:15 a.m. local time on October 11. It was the 18th flash flood warning the NWS office in Greenville-Spartanburg issued in 2026.

Warning

Issued10:25 p.m. EDT, October 10, 2026
In force10:25 p.m. EDT, October 10, 2026
Expires4:15 a.m. EDT, October 11, 2026

In force for 5.8 hours

The notice

Issued by
National Weather Service, Greenville-Spartanburg SC
Area
McDowell
State
North Carolina
Level
Warning
Issued
10:25 p.m. EDT, October 10, 2026
Expires
4:15 a.m. EDT, October 11, 2026
CAP severity, certainty, urgency
Severe, Likely, Immediate
VTEC event
KGSP FF.W 0018
Official source
National Weather Service: the notice at its source

Flash Flood Warnings in North Carolina since 2008Every warning type in North Carolina

Source: National Weather Service: the notice at its source. AreaZine rebuilds this page from the agency's record; the agency's page is the one to act on. A U.S. Government work, in the public domain.

The notice as issued

FFWGSP The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... McDowell County in western North Carolina... * Until 415 AM EDT. * At 1025 PM EDT, Rounds of torrential rainfall have impacted many areas of McDowell County following a prolonged period of steady light to moderate rain, which produced storm-total rainfall of 2-4 inches over the past 12 hours. Unfortunately, this current torrential rainfall is producing another 1.5-2.5 inches of rain over the past couple of hours. This rainfall over saturated soils is causing more significant rises to develop along areas streams and associated tributaries. Areas of greatest concern include the headwaters of Cove Creek and the Second Broad River near Sugar Hill, where the 3300 block of Sugar Hill Road is closed due to flooding; Nix Creek near Providence; Crooked Creek near Moffitt Hill; and the Upper Catawba River between Old Fort and Pleasant Gardens, including along Lytle Mountain Rd, where a foot of flood waters have currently closed the roadway. Additionally, a landslide has been observed on NC-226A with minor impacts to the roadway. Additional areas of Minor flooding are expected to develop over the next 1-3 hours. Please obey all barricades and heed all evacuation orders from local Emergency Management officials. HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Expect flash flooding of low-lying areas near streams, including parks, trails, low-water crossings, boat- access areas, and campgrounds. Low-lying roadways are likely to be flooded. An isolated landslide or two cannot be ruled out. * Some locations that may experience flash flooding include... Marion, Old Fort, Lake James, Lake James State Park, B.R. Parkway-Craggy To Little Switzerland, B.R. Parkway-Little Switzerland To Linville, Linville Falls, Pleasant Gardens, Sugar Hill and Glenwood.

What the agency told people to do

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads. The additional heavy rain will increase the risk of landslides and debris flows, especially in areas where landslides have occurred in the past. Be especially alert if you live near a stream, particularly at the base of a mountain or in a cove. Watch for signs that a landslide may be imminent, including loose-moving soil and rocks or a sudden increase in streamflow. Stay indoors and do NOT go outside to investigate. Escape vertically inside your home by moving upstairs or getting on top of counters to avoid being swept away.

Source: National Weather Service: the notice at its source. The text is the agency's, unedited. A U.S. Government work, in the public domain.

The record around this notice