A very moist air mass interacting with a nearly stationary frontal zone resulted in a prolonged period of heavy rainfall from multiple waves of heavy rain showers and thunderstorms over the North Carolina foothills. Heavy rainfall was especially concentrated in McDowell County, where 5-8 inches of rain fell over 24 to 36 hours. This resulted in flash flooding in several areas across the foothills.

Flash Flood in MCDOWELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 19-MAY-20 13:00:00 to 19-MAY-20 15:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: DAVISTOWN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency manager reported flash flooding developed across portions of southwest and central McDowell County after 5 to 7 inches of rain fell across the area in less than 24 hours. Flooding first developed in the Old Fort area, where Little Crooked Creek inundated Roy Moore Rd, Hodges Creek Rd, and Mt Hebron Rd, where the basement of a home was flooded. Mill Creek also flooded on the north side of Old Fort, inundating part of Simmons Rd. The Catawba River also overflowed its banks between Old Fort and Pleasant Gardens, inundating Lytle Mountain Rd.

Flood in MCDOWELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 19-MAY-20 15:30:00 to 19-MAY-20 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: DAVISTOWN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Although heavy rain showers and storms became less frequent across McDowell County during the afternoon and evening of the 19th, high water conditions persisted on Mill Creek and Little Crooked Creek in the Old Fort area. In addition, a stream gauge on the Catawba River at Pleasant Gardens exceeded its established flood stage, indicating flooding of low lying areas, mainly upstream of the gauge, including a campground off Highway 221 north of Marion.

Flood in POLK, NORTH CAROLINA
From 19-MAY-20 15:00:00 to 19-MAY-20 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: VALHALLA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Although heavy rainfall began to taper off across the North Pacolet basin during the afternoon, high water conditions persisted until early evening. Two day rainfall totals of 4 to 7 inches were reported across the area.

Flood in RUTHERFORD, NORTH CAROLINA
From 19-MAY-20 15:30:00 to 19-MAY-20 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: UREE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Although heavy rainfall tapered off across the Broad River basin during the afternoon, high water conditions persisted along the river into the early evening hours. Two day rainfall totals of 4 to 6 inches were reported across the area.

Flash Flood in POLK, NORTH CAROLINA
From 19-MAY-20 13:00:00 to 19-MAY-20 15:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: VALHALLA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Media reported flash flooding developed along the North Pacolet watershed after training heavy rain showers and thunderstorms produced several inches of rain in just a few hours. A tributary of the North Pacolet inundated Horseshoe Curve Rd in several spots, while the Pacolet overflowed its banks and flooded River Rd at Golden Rd. Several small landslides were also reported in the area.

Flash Flood in RUTHERFORD, NORTH CAROLINA
From 19-MAY-20 13:00:00 to 19-MAY-20 15:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: UREE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Highway dept reported a culvert draining a tributary of the Broad River failed, causing a section of Highway 64 to collapse near Rock Branch Rd. Media reported the Broad River overflowed its banks further downstream, flooding Coxe Rd.