Flood Warning Issued for Macon County until 12:45 pm on Friday

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for Macon County that is effective until 12:45 pm today. So far, the water gauges in all locations escept the one at the Iotla Bridge on the Little Tennessee River are within safety margins.

A copy of the Flood Warning is posted below, and then below that, a look at the gauge at the Iotla Bridge.

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BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Flood Warning
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
646 AM EST FRI DEC 28 2018


The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a

* Flood Warning for...
Macon County in western North Carolina...

* Until 1245 PM EST Friday.

* At 638 AM EST, Doppler radar indicated continued, intermittent heavy rain showers moving repeatedly northeast across Macon County. These showers were producing rainfall at rates in excess of one-half inch per hour and were affecting locations that have received 3 to 4 inches of rain over the past 24 hours. In addition, very heavy rainfall will arrive from the west this morning along an approaching cold front. This will worsen existing flooding and create new flood problems countywide.

* Some locations that will experience flooding include...
Franklin, Highlands, Nantahala Lake, Ellijay, Burningtown, Kyle, Otto, Rainbow Springs, Wayah Bald and Cowee. Flooding will be most likely along tributaries of the Little Tennessee River. Flooding will develop quickly along the Little Tennessee River above North Carolina Highway 28 north of Franklin. Additional flooding will develop along Caler Fork and Huckleberry Creek west of Franklin, and Cowee Creek in the northeast part of the County.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Do not attempt to cross water-covered roadways, bridges, or low-level crossings. Only a few inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away your vehicle. It is not worth the risk. Please TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN.

The additional heavy rain will increase the risk of landslides, especially in areas where slides have occurred in the past. Be especially alert if you are near a stream, especially at the base of a mountain or in a cove. Watch for loose-moving soil and rocks or a sudden increase in streamflow. Leave the area quickly if this is observed. When driving along roads where the terrain is steep or rocky, watch and listen for falling rocks, mud, trees and other debris.

Only when it is safe to do so, please report floodwaters or landslides flowing over roads or threatening property to the National Weather Service by calling toll-free, 1, 800, 2 6 7, 8 1 0 1, by posting on our Facebook page, or via Twitter using hashtag NWSGSP. Your message should describe the event and the specific location where it occurred, including roadways, nearby cross streets, stream names and other landmarks.


Iotla Bridge at Bryson City Road



The Little Tennessee Rover at the Iotla Bridge has risen sharply over the last few hours, as indicated in the above graph. Below are the top 6 historic crests at this location ever since the water gauge has been present. Of course, the river has been higher than these, but these are the only official records for this location.

Historic Crests at Iotla Bridge

(1) 11.35 ft on 12/24/2015
(2) 9.87 ft on 12/29/2015
(3) 9.05 ft on 01/31/2013
(4) 8.60 ft on 01/18/2013
(5) 8.34 ft on 01/18/2013
(6) 7.73 ft on 10/15/2014



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Published at 7:36 am on December 28, 2018