Flash Flood — Rowan, North Carolina

2023-06-20 · near Kannapolis, Rowan, North Carolina

Event narrative

Emergency manager reported flash flooding developed in southwest Rowan County after 4 to 5 inches fell in just a few hours. The most significant flooding was in the city of Kannapolis. A small stream inundated Mable Ave and Marie Ave near the Cabarrus County line. A tributary og Irish Buffalo Creek overflowed onto Pump Station Rd. Another stream overflowed onto West 22nd St. Farther northwest, East Fork flooded a road at the Iredell County line, while Jackson Rd and Highway 150 were inundated by Sills Creek.

Wider weather episode

Waves of showers and thunderstorms developed in the vicinity of a stalled frontal zone, and in the vicinity of the Blue Ridge escarpment in response to upslope flow. The result was localized areas of heavy-to-excessive rainfall, with anywhere from 5 to 10 inches reported over a 24-36 hour period. Isolated flash flooding developed across portions of the foothills and the Piedmont.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (35.5060, -80.6010)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1120262. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.