Flash Flood — Alexander, North Carolina

2023-07-15 to 2023-07-16 · near All Healing Spgs, Alexander, North Carolina

Event narrative

Fire dept reported flash flooding developed along Duck Creek after 4 to 6 inches of rain fell in just a few hours along the Caldwell/Alexander County line. Two individuals were swept down the creek when they fled their vehicle after driving into flood water at Duck Creek Dr and Dover Church Rd. A 49-year old woman drowned while the other person was rescued. At least one road was washed out in the area.

Wider weather episode

Widespread showers and thunderstorms developed in the vicinity of a trough over the North Carolina foothills throughout the 15th. While rainfall was primarily in the 2 to 3 inch range, isolated areas of 4 to 6 inches fell in just a few hours across the northern foothills. This resulted in localized, but significant flash flooding across western Alexander County, where one fatality occurred.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (35.9570, -81.3360)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1125100. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.