
923
WGUS52 KGSP 301026
FFWGSP
NCC111-301630-
/O.EXT.KGSP.FF.W.0034.000000T0000Z-180530T1630Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
626 AM EDT WED MAY 30 2018

...FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY CONTINUES FOR AREAS DOWNSTREAM OF LAKE
TAHOMA DUE TO POTENTIAL IMMINENT FAILURE OF TAHOMA DAM...MANDATORY
EVACUATIONS UNDERWAY...

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has extended
the

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  Central McDowell County in western North Carolina...

* Until 1230 PM EDT Wednesday.

* At 611 AM EDT, Emergency Management is reporting that the risk of
  imminent failure remains at Lake Tahoma Dam and mandatory
  evacuations remain in effect.  This emergency evacuation was
  issued at the recommendation of dam engineers who remain on scene
  to monitor the dam.  Lake Tahoma Dam is currently in a Level 1 or
  Imminent Failure Condition.  This condition will continue until
  the engineers have the opportunity to thoroughly inspect the dam
  during daylight hours.  THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS
  SITUATION! MANDATORY EVACUATIONS are underway for ALL residents
  and businesses downstream of Lake Tahoma along Buck Creek and
  along the Catawba River from Buck Creek and Lake Tahoma Rd (NC 80)
  to the mouth of Lake James.  To save your life, please heed all
  county evacuation notices and take action to leave the vicinity
  immediately!

  Repeating, this is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for McDowell County for
  areas downstream of Lake Tahoma and Lake Tahoma Dam to the mouth
of Lake James along the Catawba River. This is a PARTICULARLY
DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!

* Repeating, mandatory evacuations remain underway from Lake Tahoma
  Dam at Lake Shore Dr down Lake Tahoma Rd (NC 80) to the confluence
  of the Catawba River near US 70, Resistoflex Rd, and Riverside
  Park. Residences and businesses along US 70 from Lake Tahoma Rd to
  US 221 Business near Garden Creek, as well as areas along Hankins
  Rd. to the mouth of Lake James are included in the mandatory
  evacuation.  LEAVE NOW!

* Evacuees are being asked to seek shelter at the Glenwood Baptist
  Church, the Old Fort Baptist Church, or the YMCA in Marion near
  McDowell Hospital.

* Some locations that are experiencing flooding include...
  Pleasant Gardens, northwest Marion, and Lake James.

* The excessive rainfall over the warned area has caused numerous
  mud slides and additional mud slides are possible near steep
  terrain. The mud slide can consist of rock, mud, vegetation and
  other loose materials and are very powerful.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Move to higher ground NOW. This is an extremely dangerous and
life-threatening situation. Do NOT attempt to travel unless you are
fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order.

Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Do not attempt to cross
water-covered roadways, bridges, or low-level crossings. Only a few
inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away your vehicle. It is
not worth the risk. Please TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN.

The floodwave along Buck Creek above and below Lake Tahoma will
increase the risk of landslides, especially in areas where slides
have occurred in the past. Be especially alert if you are near a
stream, especially at the base of a mountain or in a cove. Watch
for loose-moving soil and rocks or a sudden increase in streamflow.
Leave the area quickly if this is observed. When driving along
roads where the terrain is steep or rocky, watch and listen for
falling rocks, mud, trees and other debris.

&&

LAT...LON 3574 8207 3572 8205 3574 8202 3574 8198
      3570 8196 3570 8200 3567 8206 3573 8211

$$

JMP
