Flash Flood — Polk, North Carolina

Event narrative (NOAA)

Stream gauges and the media reported catastrophic flash flooding developed along the North Pacolet and Green River basins in the western half of Polk County after 15-20 inches of rain fell across the area over three days, with 1.5 to 2.5 inches of that falling in less than three hours on the morning of the 27th as tropical rainbands near the remnant center of Helene swept across the area. Dozens of structures were damaged or destroyed along Green River Cove Rd and along Highway 176 due to flooding along the North Pacolet. In addition to the major stream flooding, the extreme rainfall triggered dozens of landslides across the western third of the county. One of these landslides destroyed a home off Highway 176, killing a 67-year-old woman.

Other notable flash flood events in North Carolina