Flash flood watch issued for Monday afternoon and evening for Buncombe and other WNC counties

Flash flood watch issued at 12:20 p.m. on Monday, July 22, by the National Weather Service:

…HEAVY RAINFALL MAY CAUSE FLASH FLOODING IN PARTS OF THE NORTH
CAROLINA MOUNTAINS LATER TODAY INTO TONIGHT…

.Numerous showers and thunderstorms will develop today ahead of
an approaching cold front, within an exceptionally moist
subtropical air mass. Areas of heavy rain will result. Soils are
nearly saturated in parts of the North Carolina mountains near
the Tennessee border. The heavy rain thus is especially likely to
run off and cause flash flooding in these areas.

…FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT
TONIGHT…
The Flash Flood Watch continues for

* a portion of western North Carolina, including the following
areas, Avery, Buncombe, Graham, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell,
Northern Jackson, Swain, and Yancey.

* until midnight EDT tonight

* Widespread coverage of showers and thunderstorms will result
in areas of heavy rainfall. Soils are nearly saturated across
much of the mountain region, and the heavy rainfall thus is
especially likely to cause flash flooding.

* Campers, hikers, and others involved in outdoor recreation
activities in the North Carolina mountains could be endangered
if flash flooding develops.
Instructions:
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Be especially cautious if venturing into areas of rugged terrain. If heavy rain develops nearby, seek higher ground immediately. You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued. Have a source of weather information, such as NOAA Weather Radio, available at all times.
Target Area:
Avery
Buncombe
Graham
Haywood
Madison
Mitchell
Northern Jackson
Swain
Yancey