Due to high amounts of rain in the North Fork watershed, there is a potential for additional flow into the Swannanoa and French Broad rivers.
Find the latest forecast and alerts from the National Weather Service here.
The City of Asheville issued the following alert:
Be on high alert for possible flooding in all areas which are prone to flooding starting as early as 9 p.m. tonight.
Please take precautionary measures to protect your property and your life safety. Do not drive around barricades or through standing water.
If you encounter an emergency, dial 911.
North Fork Reservoir
The City of Asheville has been releasing small amounts of water from the North Fork Reservoir during this prolonged rain period. So far, the water released has been less than the amount of water coming into the reservoir from rainfall in the immediate area and rainfall received upstream.
The North Fork Reservoir has built-in capacity to withstand most prolonged rain periods. However, the reservoir is nearing its capacity.
Streets
- All of Azalea Road has been blocked off, due to rising water. It is closed from U.S. 70 to Swannanoa River Road.
- Swannanoa River Road from Biltmore Avenue to South Tunnel Road is closed.
- Thompson Street is closed.
Carrier Park is also closed.
City of Asheville Stormwater Services personnel are out monitoring streets with a night crew.
Public Works has additional staff members on duty until 11 p.m. tonight to assist with tree removal, barricades and any additional needs, if they arise. A regular Public Works night crew reports to work at 11 p.m. and will continue support as needed.
Get emergency information sent directly to you
If you live, work, travel through or have family/friends in the City of Asheville and want to receive up-to-date information on emergency situations, we encourage you to sign up for AVL Alert today at this link.
Shelter opens
The Red Cross opened a shelter in Black Mountain for anyone displaced by recent rains, but the original location of the shelter has changed.
The shelter is now located at Swannanoa First Baptist Church, 503 Park St., Swannanoa.
Earlier report
The City of Asheville is releasing small amounts of water from the North Fork Reservoir, including today. So far, the water released has been less than the amount of water coming into the reservoir from rainfall in the immediate area and rainfall received upstream.
The North Fork Reservoir has built-in capacity to withstand most prolonged rain periods. The reservoir is currently 1 foot below full pool. The City of Asheville Watershed Manager closely monitors weather patterns, as well as stream gauges upstream and downstream of the reservoir.
In May, 8.35 inches of rain has been recorded at the North Fork Reservoir, which is much higher than the average typically received in May. The amount of precipitation received at the North Fork Water Treatment Plant from Saturday through Monday was 1.71 inches. Today’s rainfall total at the North Fork Dam, as of 4:15 p.m., was 2.43 inches.
Water is pooling in low-lying areas of Buncombe County, as the ground is saturated from prolonged rainfall. The National Weather Service has issued a flashflood watch for much of Western North Carolina through Thursday. In addition, the National Weather Service has issued flashflood warning to include Black Mountain, Swannanoa and Fairview in Buncombe County.