Flash Flood — Polk, North Carolina

2018-05-18 to 2018-05-19 · near Saluda, Polk, North Carolina

Event narrative

Multiple sources reported significant flash flooding developed across western Polk County, particularly in the Saluda area after 4 to 7 inches of rain fell across the area in just a few hours. Some of the main impacts were along Cove Creek and its tributaries, where water rescues were required in the area around I-26 and Ozone Dr. Multiple roads in this area, including I-26 itself were flooded due to drainage problems and small streams. A tributary of Cove Creek flooded Howard Gap Rd at Rhododendron Dr. Across the northern part of the county, Lake Adger Parkway was covered with water from Silver Creek. Flooding was also reported along the North Pacolet River along the Highway 176 corridor between Columbus and Saluda. While the flooding was significant, the worst impact of the heavy rain was from numerous landslides and slope failures.

Wider weather episode

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Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 758858. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.