LOCAL

Flash flood warning issued for south Buncombe County

Katie Wadington
The Citizen-Times
A woman and her dog dash across O. Henry Street Monday morning during a rain shower. A flood watch is in effect Monday and Tuesday for much of WNC.

ASHEVILLE - The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for the rest of Thursday night for southeastern Buncombe County.

"Radar indicated rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour in the heaviest downpours and this heavy rain is likely to continue through late evening," according to an agency statement issued at 9:20 p.m. "The rain is falling on ground already saturated from heavy rainfall over the past two days. Flash flooding will likely develop in this area."

The NWS says flooding is likely along Garren Creek east of Fairview, possibly impacting Lee Dotson Road. Flooding is also likely along Flat Creek, Sand Branch, and Glade Creek east of Fairview.

The area was already under a flash flood watch until 8 a.m. Friday.

Since Monday night, Asheville Regional Airport has received 4.23 inches of rain, according to NWS.

Friday's forecast calls for a 70 percent chance of rain, with up to a half-inch of precipitation possible.