PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (NC) USGS Crews respond to flooding in North Carolina

Date: Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:47:37 EST

Summary: USGS Crews from the North Carolina Water Science Center respond to minor flooding in portions of North Carolina (January 17, 2013).

USGS Crews from the North Carolina Water Science Center respond to minor flooding in portions of North Carolina (January 17, 2013).


Widespread precipitation amounts of more than 2 inches have fallen since January 14 across a large part of the western Piedmont and Blue Ridge regions of North Carolina, with the highest totals being reported across parts of the Pigeon, Little Tennessee, and Hiwassee River basins in the southern mountains. One USGS raingage in Macon County North Carolina reported a 3-day total for the period from January 14 through 16 of 8.31 inches with rain still falling (http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv/?site_no=350557083325845). As of January 17, the storm system has re-developed and may result in another 1 to 2 or more inches of precipitation across North Carolina with the higher totals in the western half of the state before transitioning to a winter weather event and ending on early Friday, January 18 in North Carolina.

USGS crews have been making discharge measurements since the start of the event on Tuesday. Seven crews (a total of 11 staff members) from the three North Carolina Water Science Center Field Offices (Asheville, Charlotte and Raleigh) are out today making streamflow measurements and ensuring that streamgages are functioning properly. The Lower Mississippi River Forecast Center has forecast the French Broad River to crest at or above flood stage at forecast points at Blantyre and near Marshall.




Sub-Region: South Atlantic; Region: Eastern United States