Flash Flood — Cherokee, South Carolina

2024-01-09 · near Grassy Pond, Cherokee, South Carolina

Event narrative

Multiple sources reported flash flooding developed across mainly northern Cherokee County after 3 to 5 inches of rain fell across the area in around 12 hours. Numerous roads were inundated due to stream flooding or poor drainage. Impacted streams included the Broad River near Blacksburg, which exceeded minor flood stage, indicating inundation of Little Hope Rd and River Rd. Emergency manager reported that more than two dozen roads were damaged or inundated throughout the county, including Mill Gin Rd in the northwest part of the county, which was flooded by Cherokee Creek. A number of water rescues occurred including a driver from a vehicle that was being swept away, and about 20 people who were evacuated from an apartment complex west of Blackburg.

Wider weather episode

A major/complex frontal system brought widespread rain with embedded thunderstorms to upstate South Carolina, mainly during the late morning and afternoon of the 9th. Widespread rainfall amounts of 3 to 5 inches (with locally higher amounts) in around 12 hours resulted in numerous reports of flooding. Isolated severe thunderstorms also resulted in a a few damaging wind gusts reports over the Piedmont.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (35.1460, -81.7630)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1160816. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.