Periods of heavy rain fell between the 18th and 22nd across the southern mountains of North Carolina. Over the five day period, over 17 inches of rain fall in a few locations, with many areas reporting 10 inches of more. The most significant flooding started early  in the morning on the 20th when three nearly stationary areas thunderstorms produced very heavy rain along the eastern escarpment of the Blue Ridge. Widespread flooding of streams and some large rivers developed over the region.

Flash Flood in POLK, NORTH CAROLINA
From 20-SEP-09 04:14:00 to 20-SEP-09 06:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: MT VLY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Flash flooding developed along the Green River, forcing evacuations and closing Green River Cove Rd. Water reportedly entered several homes along the River, with water up to the windows of one home.

Flood in HENDERSON, NORTH CAROLINA
From 20-SEP-09 05:30:00 to 20-SEP-09 11:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: MILLS RIVER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Although flash flooding ended across the area around sunrise, persistent moderate to heavy rainfall caused high water conditions to persist in central Henderson County through the morning hours. Flooding also expanded to areas near Mills River, as Butler Bridge Rd was closed about 8 miles northwest of Hendersonville. In addition to the flooding, saturated soil resulted in quite a few fallen trees and isolated small landslides.

Flood in TRANSYLVANIA, NORTH CAROLINA
From 20-SEP-09 07:00:00 to 20-SEP-09 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: JOHN ROCK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Although flash flooding ended across the area around sunrise, persistent moderate to heavy rainfall caused high water conditions to persist in the French Broad valley through the morning hours. In addition to the flooding, several small mudslides occurred and quite a few trees fell in the saturated soil.

Heavy Rain in MACON, NORTH CAROLINA
From 20-SEP-09 07:00:00 to 20-SEP-09 08:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: GNEISS
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Flooding developed briefly along a portion of the Cullasaja River during the morning. River Rd was covered by water for a short time. Also, two wastewater spills occurred closer to town due to the heavy rain.

Flash Flood in HENDERSON, NORTH CAROLINA
From 20-SEP-09 04:00:00 to 20-SEP-09 05:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: MOUNTAIN HOME
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Clear Creek overflowed its banks, flooding a portion of Fruitland Rd. A motorist had to be rescued on Fruitland Rd after driving through high water. Stream flooding was also reported on Dana Rd and Howard Gap Rd. Also, county comms reported flooding of Willow Rd due to an overflowing stream.

Flash Flood in TRANSYLVANIA, NORTH CAROLINA
From 20-SEP-09 05:00:00 to 20-SEP-09 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: JOHN ROCK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Wilson Rd was closed due to flooding along the French Broad River. Davidson River Rd was also closed when the Davidson River overflowed its banks. In addition, Green Rd and Barclay Rd were covered with water from overflowing streams.

Flood in POLK, NORTH CAROLINA
From 20-SEP-09 06:00:00 to 20-SEP-09 11:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: MT VLY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Although rain rates diminished during mid-morning, flooding persisted in the Green River Cove Rd area through the remainder of the morning, with evacuations becoming necessary. In addition to the flooding, saturated soil resulted in quite a few fallen trees and isolated small landslides.