ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg issued a flood advisory for Buncombe County on Friday evening after heavy thunderstorms dumped up to 3 inches of rain across the area.
The advisory, in effect until 10 p.m., warned of minor flooding in low-lying and poor-drainage areas, including creeks feeding into the French Broad River such as Dix, Lee, Newfound and Reems creeks.
Forecasters said another 1 to 1.5 inches of rain is possible, which could worsen flooding. Communities at risk include downtown Asheville, West and North Asheville, Woodfin, Weaverville, UNC Asheville and Leicester.
Residents were urged to avoid flooded roads and to report flooding or landslides to the weather service once conditions are safe.
“Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads,” the advisory said, noting most flood deaths occur in vehicles.