Flood Watch and Wind Advisory in Effect for Tuesday, January 09, 2024

OVERNIGHT OUTLOOK 

1.10am on Tuesday, 01-09-2024

A Flood Watch and Wind Advisory is effect for Macon County due to the storm system that will be making its way through the region over the next day or so. The map included with this post shows the wind gusts as of 1am, this morning.

SCHOOL DELAYS

Schools in Macon, Swain, Jackson, Haywood, and Graham Counties will be operating on a two-hour delay this morning (01-09-2024).

FLOOD WATCH 

.A strong low pressure system moving from the Plains overnight to the Midwest on Tuesday will permit abundant Gulf moisture to stream across the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia during the Flood Watch period. The heavy rainfall will spread across the region during the early morning hours, maximize atop the area Tuesday morning through early afternoon, and then move east through Tuesday evening. With rivers and streams still somewhat elevated from previous heavy rainfall, flooding is expected to develop across the region.

...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible.

* WHERE...Portions of northeast Georgia, including the following areas, Habersham, Rabun and Stephens; western North Carolina, including the following areas, Polk, Rutherford, Henderson, Macon, Southern Jackson and Transylvania; and Upstate South Carolina, including the following areas, Central Greenville, Oconee, Pickens, Greenville Mountains, and Northern Spartanburg Counties.

* WHEN...From midnight EST tonight through Tuesday evening.

* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - A powerful low pressure system will spread heavy rain across the region overnight through Tuesday. Rainfall amounts of 3 to 5 inches are expected throughout, while locations in the southern-most parts of the North Carolina mountains near the South Carolina border could see 6 inches. The threat of flash flooding has increased given the recent rainfall in this area. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flood Watch for flash flooding means there is a potential for rapid onset flooding based on current forecasts. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation and may impact areas that do not typically flood. Please monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared to take action quickly should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

Rainfall of more than five inches in similar storms has been associated with an increased risk of landslides and rockslides. If you live on a mountainside or in a cove at the base of a mountain, especially near a stream, be ready to leave in advance of the storm or as quickly as possible should rising water, moving earth, or rocks threaten. Consider postponing travel along mountain roads during periods of heavy rainfall.

WIND ADVISORY

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Southeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.

* WHERE...In Georgia, Habersham and Rabun Counties. In North Carolina, Buncombe, Henderson, Macon, Southern Jackson, and Transylvania Counties.

* WHEN...Until 7 PM EST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite source of weather information for the latest updates.