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.

Flash Flood in IREDELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 12-NOV-20 06:30:00 to 12-NOV-20 09:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: NEW HOPE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Media reported flash flooding across the South Yadkin River basin in western Iredell County after 4.5 to 6 inches of rain fell, with much of that falling in about a three hour period during the pre-dawn hours. Multiple roads were closed due to inundation, mainly from tributaries of the South Yadkin. A portion of a bridge collapsed in the far northwest part of the county. In addition, saturated soil resulted in a tree falling on and causing significant damage to a home in the Union Grove community. Finally, one person was killed when his vehicle hydroplaned on Highway 115.

Flash Flood in CABARRUS, NORTH CAROLINA
From 12-NOV-20 10:00:00 to 12-NOV-20 18:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: ROCKY RIVER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Stream gauges on the Rocky River above Irish Buffalo Creek and on Back Creek indicated flash flooding developed along tributaries of the river, including Irish Buffalo Creek and Dutch Buffalo Creek after 3.5 to 5.5 inches of rain fell across Cabarrus County, with much of that falling in about a three-hour period during the morning of the 12th. Multiple roads were inundated, including Stallings Rd, Poplar Tent Rd, Bowman-Berrier Rd, Mount Pleasant Rd, and Highway 200.

Flash Flood in LINCOLN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 12-NOV-20 10:00:00 to 12-NOV-20 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: REEPSVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Fire dept reported flash flooding developed along Tanyard Creek after 4 to 5 inches of rain fell, with much of that falling in around three hours during the morning of the 12th. Reepsville road was inundated for several hours.

Flash Flood in ROWAN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 12-NOV-20 14:00:00 to 12-NOV-20 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: MAJOLICA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Stream gauges indicated flash flooding developed along multiple streams in northern and central Rowan County after 3 to 5 inches of rain fell across the area, with much of that falling in about a three-hour period during the morning. Second Creek overflowed its banks and inundated low lying areas near Cleveland. Tributaries of Second Creek, including Winthrow Creek likely flooded multiple roads south of Highway 70. Grants Creek also flooded near Salisbury.

Flood in IREDELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 12-NOV-20 09:00:00 to 12-NOV-20 23:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: HARMONY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

A stream gauge on Hunting Creek indicated significant flooding developed along Hunting Creek in the Harmony area after 4.5 to 5.5 inches of rain fell across the area in about 24 hours. Multiple roads were inundated along the creek including Powell Bridge Rd. Public also reported a tributary of the South Yadkin River overflowed onto White Oak Branch Rd in the northern part of the county.

Flood in CABARRUS, NORTH CAROLINA
From 12-NOV-20 18:00:00 to 13-NOV-20 06:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: ROCKY RIVER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Although heavy rain tapered off across Cabarrus County throughout the afternoon into the evening, runoff from the earlier rainfall maintained elevated stream levels which continued to flood roads throughout the overnight hours.

Flood in MECKLENBURG, NORTH CAROLINA
From 12-NOV-20 17:30:00 to 13-NOV-20 21:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: PINEVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Although heavy rainfall tapered off across the Charlotte area during the afternoon and evening, elevated flow conditions and some flooding persisted across many of the larger basins in the city through much of the evening. Numerous roads remained closed during this time.

Flood in CATAWBA, NORTH CAROLINA
From 12-NOV-20 21:00:00 to 13-NOV-20 05:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: CATAWBA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Although heavy rainfall tapered off across the Catawba River basin during the afternoon and evening of the 12th, high water levels and elevated stream flows persisted in the area around Lookout Shoals dam during the overnight hours until the early morning of the 13th.

Flash Flood in UNION, NORTH CAROLINA
From 12-NOV-20 12:00:00 to 12-NOV-20 14:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: MARVIN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency manager reported flash flooding developed along creeks and small streams and in urban areas after 2 to 3 inches of rain fell, mostly in around three hours during the morning of the 12th. Multiple roads were closed and at least two motorists required rescue from stranded vehicles.

Flood in ROWAN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 13-NOV-20 04:30:00 to 13-NOV-20 15:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: WOODLEAF
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Moderate flooding developed along the South Yadkin River after 4 to 6 inches on rain fell within the basin in less than 24 hours. Multiple roads were inundated on the Rowan  County side, especially in the upper reaches of High Rock Lake, where some campgrounds were also inundated.

Flash Flood in CATAWBA, NORTH CAROLINA
From 12-NOV-20 10:00:00 to 12-NOV-20 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: LONGVIEW
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

A stream gauge on Henry Fork exceeded its established flood stage after 3.5 to 5 inches of rain fell over Catawba County, with much of that falling during a three-hour period on the morning of the 12th. Several roads along the stream were inundated and closed.

Flood in GASTON, NORTH CAROLINA
From 12-NOV-20 17:30:00 to 14-NOV-20 05:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: SPENCER MTN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Moderate flooding developed along the South Fork Catawba River after 3 to 5 inches of rain fell throughout the watershed throughout the 12th. Flooding of multiple structures occurred, particularly along Riverside Dr and 8th Ave in Cramerton. Otherwise, multiple roads were inundated, including some due to backwater effects along tributaries of the South Fork Catawba.

Flash Flood in CALDWELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 12-NOV-20 03:00:00 to 12-NOV-20 06:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: RICHLAND
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

A stream gauge on the Yadkin River near Patterson exceeded its established flood stage after 4 to 7 inches fell across the basin, with much of that falling in only 3 hours or so between midnight and daybreak on the 12th. Multiple roads and some homes were inundated in the Happy Valley community, especially between Highway 268 and the river. Additionally, a few mudslides developed in the Yadkin basin, including a large one that covered/closed Kirby Mountain Rd north of Patterson.

Flash Flood in MECKLENBURG, NORTH CAROLINA
From 12-NOV-20 08:30:00 to 12-NOV-20 17:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: PINEVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Stream gauges indicated flash flooding developed along numerous creeks throughout the Charlotte area after 3.5 to 4.5 inches of rain fell across much of the city, with the bulk of that falling in about a 3-hour period during the morning of the 12th. The most significant flooding occurred along the Sugar Creek and Little Sugar Creek basins, where several gauges reported moderate to even major flooding. Water from Sugar Creek inundated multiple buildings along Southern Pines Blvd and Red Oak Blvd. Little Sugar Creek overflowed and impacted several homes in the Parkstone neighborhood as well as several structures along Highway 51 in Pineville. On the opposite side of the city, significant flooding developed along Mallard Creek in the University City area, impacting homes on Dashiel Dr and Circle Dr. Irwin Creek also inundated Statesville Rd just north of Uptown. Steele Creek flooded in the Carowinds area, flooding several mobile homes along John Price Rd. Otherwise, multiple roads were inundated along Briar Creek and McMullen Creek in the east and southeast part of the city, and along Stewart Creek and Irwin Creek on the north side and near Uptown. Long Creek also flooded roads near Mountain Island Lake, while Clarks Creek overflowed and flooded multiple vehicles in the far north part of the city. Drainage flooding also developed along I-85N near Little Rock Rd, with multiple vehicles stranded and occupants rescued. Overall, 23 people were rescued from homes and 12 people from vehicles throughout the city.

Flash Flood in BURKE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 12-NOV-20 07:00:00 to 12-NOV-20 09:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: CHESTERFIELD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

A stream gauge on Hunting Creek near Morganton indicated significant flash flooding developed along the stream after 4.5 to 6 inches of rain fell in the area, with a significant portion of that falling in the 2-3 hours prior to daybreak. Coal Chute Rd was inundated and several businesses between the river and East Fleming Dr were also flooded. Backwater effects along Fiddlers Run also resulted in flooding of Bethel Park. Additionally, spotter reported severe drainage flooding along Highway 64 at Chesterfield. Other non-specific road flooding reports were received from elsewhere in Morganton as well as in the Valdese area.

Flash Flood in CLEVELAND, NORTH CAROLINA
From 12-NOV-20 11:30:00 to 12-NOV-20 15:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: PATTERSON SPGS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Spotters reported flash flooding of a couple of streams in southern Cleveland County after 3 to 5 inches of rain fell, with much of that falling in about a three hour period during the morning of the 12th. Logan Branch inundated a portion of Sulphur Springs Rd and Buffalo Creek overflowed onto Cleveland Ave.

Flood in ROWAN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 12-NOV-20 19:00:00 to 13-NOV-20 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: MAJOLICA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Although heavy rainfall tapered off across Rowan County during the afternoon and evening, elevated flow conditions and some flooding persisted across many of the larger basins in the city through much of the evening. Numerous roads remained closed during this time.

Flood in DAVIE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 13-NOV-20 04:30:00 to 13-NOV-20 15:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: CALAHALN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Moderate flooding developed along the South Yadkin River after 4 to 6 inches on rain fell within the basin in less than 24 hours. Multiple roads were inundated on the Davie County side while several homes in the Cooleemee community were flooded.

Flash Flood in CATAWBA, NORTH CAROLINA
From 12-NOV-20 06:00:00 to 12-NOV-20 21:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: CATAWBA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

A stream gauge on the Catawba River at Lookout Shoals Dam indicated major flash flooding developed just upstream of the dam after 5 to 8 inches of rain fell throughout the Catawba basin, with the bulk of that falling in only a 3-hour period between midnight and sunrise on the 12th. Numerous homes were inundated and damaged, with numerous residents evacuated along the western shores of Lookout Shoals Lake. This was the second major flood event along this portion of the Catawba in less than two years (June 2019), and the second highest crest on record at Lookout Shoals (August 1940).

Flood in ALEXANDER, NORTH CAROLINA
From 12-NOV-20 10:00:00 to 12-NOV-20 14:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: VASHTI
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Although heavy rainfall tapered off across Alexander County throughout the morning, runoff from the earlier excessive rain continued to cause elevated stream levels and localized high water conditions to persist into the afternoon. A portion of a bridge over the South Yadkin collapsed on Cheatham Ford Rd during this time. Part of another bridge was washed out on Hopewell Church Rd (over Mill Creek). A 64-year-old man was killed when he drove his vehicle over the collapsed bridge. At least two other bridges were also compromised.

Flash Flood in ALEXANDER, NORTH CAROLINA
From 12-NOV-20 05:30:00 to 12-NOV-20 10:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: VASHTI
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 350.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

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.