Heavy Rains Bring Flooding, Prompt Emergency Declarations

Heavy rains across North Carolina over the weekend caused flash floods and evacuations in some areas because of rising waters.  Several local governments declared states of emergency because of the weather and flooding.

Flooding has already been blamed for three deaths in a crash in Lincoln County Saturday. Some schools have been canceled in Catawba County.

More rain is in the forecast through Wednesday. The National Weather Service says there’s a 70% chance of rain in the Charlotte area Monday. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop all day, ahead of an approaching cold front tonight. Rain could fall at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour in heavy downpours, adding to the threat of flooding, the weather service says.

RECORD FLOODING

Meanwhile, runoff from heavy rains over the past few days will bring more flooding along the Catawba River.

There’s a flood warning until 1:45 p.m. for Mountain Island Lake, northwest of Charlotte. The warning affects northeastern Gaston County and northwestern Mecklenburg County.

Flooding is possible as Duke Energy releases water from Cowans Ford Dam in Huntersville. That’s sending more water than usual downstream.

The National Weather Service said Mountain Island Lake is reaching levels not seen since 1940. 

Mecklenburg County Emergency Management says major flooding is possible in the Lake Drive and Riverside Drive area along the Catawba River in western Mecklenburg County. The agency is recommending that residents in the area evacuate.  

The American Red Cross opened an emergency shelter Sunday night for anyone displaced by the evacuation. It’s at Hopewell  High School, 11530 Beatties Ford Road in Huntersville.

Gaston County officials warned residents that Mountain Island Lake has crested at 106.8 feet and could go higher with more rain.  At 105 feet, significant flooding can occur at lake access areas and docks.  Affected neighborhoods include the Nivens Cove Community and Fox Ridge Lane in the Stonewater Bay Community in Gaston County.

Boaters, including those in canoes and kayaks, are being asked to stay off the water because faster than normal currents.

The National Weather Service said Sunday that six inches or more of rain has fallen since Thursday between Boone and Lincolnton. Up to 2.5 inches fell over the past two days around Lake Norman, according to the National Weather Service. (See a rainfall map here.) 

Catawba County commissioners declared a state of emergency Sunday to coordinate recovery after roads were closed by high water.  Residents of Ridgecrest Apartments in Hickory were evacuated to a temporary shelter at Catawba Valley Community College.

RELATED LINKS

Duke Energy lake levels page, http://lakes.duke-energy.com/