Flood — Macon, North Carolina

2004-09-16 to 2004-09-17 · Macon, North Carolina

Wider weather episode

In response to persistent moderate to heavy rainfall associated with the remnants of Hurricane Ivan, severe flooding developed across the mountains for the second time in 9 days. Flooding first developed across the southwest mountains, when several small streams and creeks overflowed their banks, including Toot Hollow Creek near Bryson City. Several rescues were required during the evening in Macon County, as creeks and streams began to threaten homes. Overnight, flooding became more widespread, with Macon County enduring the worst of it. The Little Tennessee River overflowed its banks during the early morning of the 17th, and continued to flood through much of the day. The river flooded an industrial park in Macon County, causing extensive damage. In Swain County, 500,000 gallons of raw sewage and numerous natural gas tanks were swept down the river. Hundreds of structures were damaged or destroyed, and several private bridges were swept away. Portions of highways 105, 64, and 28 were all closed in Macon County, some due to major damage that was estimated to take several months to repair. In addition, a trout farm lost 60,000 pounds of fish.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5423304. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.