A very moist southeast flow developed northeast of subtropical cyclone Alberto, which made landfall across the western Florida Peninsula on the 28th and moved north across Alabama throughout the 29th. Resultant upslope flow into the southern Appalachians resulted in development of widespread heavy rain showers across western North Carolina throughout the 29th, with activity being most concentrated along the eastern escarpment of the Blue Ridge. By the time the showers tapered off during the 30th, total rainfall of 7-10 inches occurred along the Blue Ridge. This resulted in fairly widespread flash flooding followed by an extended period of high stream flow, with McDowell County being the hardest hit area.

Flood in TRANSYLVANIA, NORTH CAROLINA
From 29-MAY-18 13:20:00 to 31-MAY-18 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: CALHOUN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

A stream gauge on the Little River exceeded its established flood stage and remained in minor flood conditions for more than 48 hours. The main impact was to lowlands along the stream and to Cascade Lake Rd, which was covered by more than a foot of water in spots. Total rainfall from of around 5 inches fell uniformly over the basin from the 29th through the 30th. The long duration of the flooding was partly due to backwater affects from the French Broad River, where moderate flooding was occurring near Blantyre for much of this time frame.

Flood in BUNCOMBE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 29-MAY-18 22:00:00 to 30-MAY-18 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: GROVEMONT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Stream gauge on county comms reported flooding along the Swannanoa River basin. Backwater effects near the town of Swannanoa caused a tributary to flood Azalea Road. The river was also reported to be flooding low-lying areas in the Oteen community. Thr river crested just below moderate flood stage in Biltmore Village, sending water over portions of Swannanoa River Rd and flooding businesses between the river and the railroad tracks in the village. While only around 2 inches of rain fell in the Asheville area from the 29th through the 30th, the bulk of the flood water originated from the headwaters near Black Mountain, where as much as 10 inches fell during this time.

Flood in RUTHERFORD, NORTH CAROLINA
From 29-MAY-18 10:00:00 to 30-MAY-18 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: CHIMNEY ROCK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

A stream gauge on the Rocky Broad River at Bat Cave indicated moderate flooding developed along the river through the Hickory Nut Gorge. Several side roads and a few homes off of Highway 64 were flooded. In addition, there were multiple small slope failures in Chimney Rock State Park, one of which collapsed a retaining wall along the edge of the main parking lot. Total rainfall amounts of 7-10 inches occurred in the area from the 29th through the 30th.

Flood in HENDERSON, NORTH CAROLINA
From 29-MAY-18 14:00:00 to 30-MAY-18 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BAT CAVE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

A stream gauge on the Rocky Broad River at Bat Cave indicated the river exceeded its established flood stage, flooding campgrounds and some secondary roads.

Flash Flood in RUTHERFORD, NORTH CAROLINA
From 29-MAY-18 17:30:00 to 29-MAY-18 19:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: CHIMNEY ROCK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

In the midst of a more general flood event after which the level briefly began receding, a stream gauge on the Rocky Broad River at Bat Cave indicated a rapid increase in the river level as a series of heavy rain showers moved over the area during the late afternoon and evening. The river continued rising through the evening, cresting shortly after midnight.

Flash Flood in HENDERSON, NORTH CAROLINA
From 29-MAY-18 18:00:00 to 30-MAY-18 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BAT CAVE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

County comms and stream gauges indicated flash flooding developed across central and northeast Henderson County after a series of heavy rain showers moved over areas with already-saturated ground. Mud Creek and Bat Fork Creek flooded several roads in downtown and on the east side of Hendersonville. Howard Gap Rd was closed northeast of Hendersonville due to flooding along Clear Creek. Multiple small streams also flooded in the Dana area, including Reedypatch Creek, which flooded Highway 64 at Hog Rock Rd. Several other roads were flooded in this area. Meanwhile, in the midst of a more general flood event along the Rocky Broad River near Bat Cave, just when the level briefly began receding, a stream gauge indicated a rapid increase in the river level. The river continued rising through the evening, cresting shortly after midnight. Multiple small to medium size landslides and downed trees were also reported throughout this area, some of which blocked roads.

Flash Flood in BUNCOMBE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 29-MAY-18 13:30:00 to 30-MAY-18 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BLACK MTN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

A stream gauge indicated and county comms confirmed flash flooding developed along the Swannanoa River in the Black Mountain area after 2 to 3 inches or rain fell across the area in just a few hours. This was after stream levels were already elevated due to heavy rain that fell on the 28th. The main impact was to areas around Veterans Park, including Veterans park Dr. The stream briefly fell below flood stage during late afternoon, but another round of heavy rain during the evening quickly sent it back above flood stage, where it crested at moderate flood stage before beginning to recede during late evening. Total rainfall of 4 to 6 inches was reported in the area on the 29th.

Flash Flood in POLK, NORTH CAROLINA
From 29-MAY-18 17:45:00 to 30-MAY-18 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: VALHALLA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

County comms and the media reported that flash flooding developed across western Polk County for the 2nd time in less than two weeks, after 4 to 6 inches of rain fell throughout the 29th into the 30th, with much of that occurring over a couple of hours during the evening. The most significant flooding was along Brights Creek west of Lake Adger, which overflowed its banks and flooded multiple bridges, effectively cutting off the Brights Creek community for a brief time. Highway 64 was closed due to flooding along the North Pacolet, where a mobile home park was also evacuated. Additional closed roads included Green River Cove Rd, Holbert Cove Rd, and Warrior Drive (due to a tributary of the North Pacolet).

Flash Flood in YANCEY, NORTH CAROLINA
From 29-MAY-18 21:45:00 to 30-MAY-18 01:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BUSICK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Media and a stream gauge indicated the South Toe River and some of its tributaries overflowed and their banks and flooded roads in eastern Yancey County after 4 to 6 inches of rain fell in the headwaters throughout the 29th, with much of that falling during the evening hours. Multiple roads along the river flooded, including Hannah Branch Rd, Halls Chapel Rd, and Wyatt Town Rd. Backwater effects from the river also caused Colbert Creek to flood Colberts Creek Rd and Middle Creek to flood Rock Creek Rd.

Flash Flood in CALDWELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 29-MAY-18 17:00:00 to 29-MAY-18 21:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: YADKIN VLY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

County comms and other sources reported flash flooding developed across central Caldwell County after 2 to 3 inches of rain fell in just a few hours. Zachs Fork Creek overflowed its banks in the city of Lenoir and flooded several yards. Highway 268 was flooded where Buffalo Creek flows into the Yadkin River. Blairs Fork Rd was flooded and closed due to Long Branch overflowing its banks in the Lenoir area. Indian Grave Rd was also flooded by a stream at Tuttle Rd.

Flash Flood in CALDWELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 29-MAY-18 22:00:00 to 30-MAY-18 04:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: EDGEMONT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

A stream gauge on Wilson Creek indicated flash flooding developed along the stream for the second time in less than two weeks after 2 to 4 inches of rain fell over the basin throughout the 29th, with much of that falling during the evening. Brown Mountain Bech Rd was flooded as was a part of Edgemont Rd.

Flash Flood in BURKE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 29-MAY-18 17:00:00 to 29-MAY-18 21:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: TABLE ROCK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

County comms and other sources reported flash flooding developed in northwest Burke County after 3 to 6 inches of rain fell throughout the 29th, with a good portion of that falling during the evening. Canoe Creek flooded a portion of Browning View Rd. Upper Creek overflowed its banks and flooded Highway 181 at Brown Mountain Beach Rd. Warrior Fork flooded Bost Rd at Spainhour Rd, where a swift water rescue of a motorist occurred.

Flood in CALDWELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 30-MAY-18 02:00:00 to 30-MAY-18 10:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: COLLETTSVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

A stream gauge on Johns River in Burke County exceeded its established flood stage, indicating flooding along the river upstream in Caldwell County after 4 to 6 inches of rain fell in the basin throughout the 29th and early part of the 30th. Highway 90 was flooded north of Collettsville.

Flood in BURKE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 30-MAY-18 02:00:00 to 30-MAY-18 10:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: JOY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

A stream gauge on Johns River in Burke County exceeded its established flood stage, indicating flooding along the river upstream in Caldwell County after 4 to 6 inches of rain fell in the basin throughout the 29th and early part of the 30th. Portions of Johns River Rd and Corpening Bridge Rd were flooded.

Flash Flood in MCDOWELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 29-MAY-18 15:00:00 to 30-MAY-18 05:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: GREENLEE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Media, Em, Stream gauges, and other sources indicated significant flash flooding developed across mainly western McDowell county after 4 to 6 inches of rain fell during the morning and afternoon of the 29th. The Catawba River exceeded its established Flood Stage according to a gauge in pleasant gardens, and most of the issues were due to the river and its tributaries. The Catawba overflowed its banks near its headwaters in Old Fort, with much of the downtown roads flooded and water entering many businesses. Swift water rescues were required at a couple of locations in the Old Fort area, including on Bat Cave Rd and Catawba River Rd. Closer to Marion, a structure collapsed under the weight of flood water on Roby Conley Rd. Several tractor trailer trucks became stalled in flood water on Columbia Carolina Rd near Old Fort, with at least one truck getting swept into the river. At least one campground was flooded and evacuated near Marion, while multiple roads were flooded due to small stream flooding throughout western McDowell County, including Cane Creek Rd, Hebron Rd, and Old Fort Sugar Hill Rd. Several mudslides also occurred throughout the area, including one that blocked and closed Interstate 40 near mile marker 67. A number of trees also fell in the saturated soil, including one that fell on a vehicle on Lytle Mountain Rd.