Flash Flood — Alexander, North Carolina

2020-11-12 · near Vashti, Alexander, North Carolina

Event narrative

Emergency manager reported major flash flooding developed throughout Alexander County after up to 9 inches of rain fell in 24 hours, with around half of that falling in a 3-hour period prior to daybreak on the 12th. The most significant flooding occurred along the South Yadkin River in the Hiddenite area. Multiple recreational vehicles and campers were swept down the river from a campground off Princess Ln. Five people, ages ranging from 1 to 76, drowned and 31 more people required rescue from rapidly rising flood water. Otherwise, most of the creeks and streams in the central and northeast part of the county overflowed onto at least one road, with more than 50 roads closed at some point during the event.

Wider weather episode

Tropical Cyclone Eta moved from the eastern Gulf of Mexico, across the northern Florida peninsula, to off the South Carolina coast throughout the 11th and 12th. Tropical moisture streaming into the Carolinas throughout this time resulted in development of heavy rainfall, with widespread rainfall amounts of 4 to 6 inches, with locally higher amounts across the foothills and Piedmont of North Carolina. This resulted in areas of flash flooding and main stem river flooding, some of which was significant, resulting in multiple fatalities and significant damage.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (36.0270, -81.0500)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 930588. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.