Tropical Storm Fred made landfall in the Florida Panhandle on the 16th and lifted steadily north through Georgia and into the southern Appalachians during the 16th and throughout the 17th. Tropical moisture and strong southeast upslope flow into the Blue Ridge mountains resulted in widespread showers and some thunderstorms producing extremely heavy rainfall rates. By the time the rain tapered off by the end of the 17th, 24-hour rainfall amounts of 5-12 inches were reported across portions of the mountains and foothills. This was in addition to a small area of 5-10 inch amounts that fell across portions of the southern North Carolina mountains during the morning of the 16th. The result of this rainfall was significant to catastrophic flash flooding across portions of the French Broad and Pigeon River basins, including some of the worst flooding to impact these areas in almost 20 years. The most severe flooding occurred in portions of southern and central Haywood County, where a number of fatalities and hundreds of millions of dollars and damage occurred. In addition, a brief tornado touched down in Iredell County and tracked into Alexander County.

Tornado in ALEXANDER, NORTH CAROLINA
From 17-AUG-21 10:22:00 to 17-AUG-21 10:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: STONY PT
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

NWS storm survey determined a tornado that began in western Iredell County crossed into Alexander County near Smith Farm Rd south of Stony Point. Damage was almost entirely limited to uprooted hardwoods and snapped softwoods. A couple of homes did receive very minor structural damage. The tornado appeared to lift near Lentz Rd just west of Highway 64.

Flash Flood in YANCEY, NORTH CAROLINA
From 17-AUG-21 17:45:00 to 17-AUG-21 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: HAMRICK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

A stream gauge on the South Toe River in the Celo area indicated flash flooding developed along the stream after 5 to 8 inches of rain fell in the headwaters in about 24 hours, with much of that falling during the afternoon of the 17th. Multiple roads and some campground were inundated, especially on Highway 80, Seven Mile Ridge Rd, and Blue Rock Rd.

Flash Flood in AVERY, NORTH CAROLINA
From 17-AUG-21 18:30:00 to 17-AUG-21 22:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: NEWLAND
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

A couple of stream gauges on the North Toe River in central and western Avery County indicated flash flooding developed along the river after 4 to 7 inches of rain fell near the headwaters in around 24 hours, with much of that falling in just a few hours during the afternoon of the 17th. In addition to multiple roads that were flooded along the river from Newland to the Frank community, several buildings were also inundated in downtown Newland between Pineola St and Linville St.

Tornado in IREDELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 17-AUG-21 10:15:00 to 17-AUG-21 10:22:00 (EST-5)
Location: SCOTTS
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

NWS storm survey found the path of an EF1 tornado that developed in western Iredell County along Massey Deal Rd, just west of Old Mountain Rd. The tornado tracked north-northwest, crossing Miracle Farm Rd and Lindsey Farm Rd before crossing into Alexander County near Smith Farm Rd south of Stony Point. Damage was almost entirely limited to uprooted hardwoods and snapped softwoods, with the most significant damage being a stand of pine trees on Waugh Farm Rd that were snapped as high as 20 feet above the ground. A couple of homes did receive very minor structural damage.

Flash Flood in MADISON, NORTH CAROLINA
From 17-AUG-21 16:30:00 to 17-AUG-21 21:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: ROLLINS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

A stream gauge on the French Broad River near Marshall indicated flash flooding developed along the river in the town of Marshall after widespread heavy rainfall occurred throughout the basin over 24 hours, with a good bit of that falling in just a few hours during the afternoon of the 17th. Multiple roads were flooded throughout the Marshall area, while many buildings in downtown Marshall experienced at least some inundation. Although the rivers rapid rise leveled off during the late evening as heavy rainfall came to an end, runoff working its way downstream through the basin resulted in moderate flooding persisting along the river until around sunrise on the 18th, while the river didnt return to its banks until late morning. This was the worst flooding that developed along this portion of the French Broad River since Hurricane Ivan in September 2004.

Flash Flood in MCDOWELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 17-AUG-21 19:00:00 to 17-AUG-21 21:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: ASHFORD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency manager and stream gauges indicated flash flooding developed along the North Fork Catawba tributary and at least one its tributaries after 5 to 8 inches of rain fell in the headwaters in around 24 hours, with much of that falling in just a few hours during the afternoon of the 17th. The North Fork inundated multiple roads, including Northcove School Rd and American Thread Rd. One campground was also flooded in Ashford. Cox creek also reportedly overflowed its banks onto at least one road.

Flood in BUNCOMBE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 17-AUG-21 20:15:00 to 18-AUG-21 03:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: AZALEA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Although heavy rainfall tapered off across Buncombe County during the late afternoon and evening, allowing flood waters to briefly begin receding, flooding actually worsened along the Swannanoa River in the Asheville area during the overnight, as backwater affects from a steadily rising French Broad River combined with the already elevated streams levels to  result in moderate flooding in Biltmore Village and vicinity. In addition to continued inundation of multiple roads along the stream, the ground floors of a number of buildings were impacted on the south side of the river north of the railroad tracks.

Flash Flood in HENDERSON, NORTH CAROLINA
From 17-AUG-21 16:00:00 to 17-AUG-21 20:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: BEARWALLOW
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Stream gauges indicated flash flooding developed near the upper reaches of the Broad River and also along Mills River in northern Henderson County after 6 to 12 inches of rain fell in around 24 hours over their respective headwaters, with a significant amount of that rain falling in just a few hours from late morning into the afternoon on the 17th. Campgrounds and a few homes were inundated and Highway 64 closed in the Bat Cave area. This flooding prompted evacuations downstream in the Chimney Rock and Lake Lure area in Rutherford County. Multiple roads were also inundated along Mills River in the northwest part of the county.

Flash Flood in MCDOWELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 17-AUG-21 18:00:00 to 17-AUG-21 21:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: OLD FT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency manager reported flash flooding developed along smaller streams across southern McDowell County after 3 to 6 inches of rain fell over 24 hours, with much of that falling in just a few hours during the afternoon of the 17th. Impacted streams included Mill Creek which flooded Simmons Rd and Crooked Creek which inundated Murphys Rd in Old Fort, and Bakers Creek which overflowed its banks in the southeast part of the county.

Flood in HENDERSON, NORTH CAROLINA
From 17-AUG-21 20:30:00 to 18-AUG-21 04:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: MILLS RIVER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Although heavy rainfall tapered off across Henderson County during the late afternoon and evening, stream gauges indicated runoff from the earlier rainfall resulted in flooding persisting along the upper French Broad basin into the early morning hours of the 18th. Multiple roads remained covered and closed along Mills River. In addition, moderate main stem river flooding developed downstream to Blantyre and vicinity during the early morning hours of the 18th. While most of the water receded by daybreak on the 18th, moderate main stem river flooding persisted at Blantyre and vicinity until the early morning of the 20th, and the river did not fall below flood stage until the evening of the 20th.

Flood in CALDWELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 17-AUG-21 23:15:00 to 18-AUG-21 07:00:00 (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 and Adako Rd were inundated in the Collettsville community.

Thunderstorm Wind in IREDELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 17-AUG-21 11:40:00 to 17-AUG-21 11:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: NEW HOPE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Fire dept reported trees blown down and blocking the road on Hillsdale Rd near Love Valley.

Lightning in CATAWBA, NORTH CAROLINA
From 17-AUG-21 20:25:00 to 17-AUG-21 20:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: PLATEAU
Property damage: 150.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Fire dept reported lightning struck a roof causing a fire and roof collapse. Significant interior damage was caused due to the fire and torrential rain falling in the open roof.

Debris Flow in HAYWOOD, NORTH CAROLINA
From 17-AUG-21 14:15:00 to 17-AUG-21 14:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: CRUSO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

North Carolina Geologic Survey surveyed a large debris flow that developed off a ridge just west of Highway 276 in Cruso in conjunction with a major flash flooding event in the East Fork Pigeon River watershed. The debris field swept downslope toward 276, sweeping away and killing a 68-year-old man outside of his home, which was also completely destroyed.

Flood in BURKE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 17-AUG-21 23:15:00 to 18-AUG-21 07:00:00 (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 the Johns River north of Morganton exceeded its established flood stage after 3 to 6 inches of rain fell in the basin, including the Wilson Creek tributary during the morning of the 11th. Flooded roads included Johns River Loop Rd, Old Johns River Rd, and Valley View Cir. A few campgrounds along the river and its smaller tributaries were also flooded.

Flash Flood in TRANSYLVANIA, NORTH CAROLINA
From 17-AUG-21 14:15:00 to 18-AUG-21 17:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: BALSAM GROVE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 4.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Stream gauges indicated significant flash flooding developed for the second day in a row near the upper reaches of the French Broad River after 3 to 6 inches of rain fell in the headwaters in just a few hours. This was on top of the 6-12 inches that fell durimg the morning of the 16th. Flooding was slightly worse in the Rosman and Balsam Grove area than what was observed on the 16th, with the stream gauge at Rosman reaching its second highest level on record (4 October 1964). Multiple structures along the river were once again inundated, including on Depot St, Highway 178, Main St, and Chestnut St in Rosman. Flash flooding again developed along the Davidson River in the Pisgah Forest area, overflowing portions of Davidson River Rd and Deavor Rd and inundating several businesses near the intersection of Highways 64 and 276.

Thunderstorm Wind in AVERY, NORTH CAROLINA
From 17-AUG-21 16:50:00 to 17-AUG-21 16:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: LINVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency manager reported multiple trees blown down in and around Linville.

Flood in TRANSYLVANIA, NORTH CAROLINA
From 17-AUG-21 17:30:00 to 18-AUG-21 04:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: ROSMAN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Although heavy rain ended across the upper French Broad basin during the late afternoon and early evening, runoff from the storm total 8 to 20 inch rainfall resulted in persistent and expanding flooding throughout Transylvania County. In addition to the continued problems at Rosman and along the Davidson River in Pisgah Forest and vicinity, moderate main stem river flooding developed downstream to Blantyre and vicinity during the early morning hours of the 18th, with backwater effects also resulting in minor flooding along the Little River. While most of the water receded by sunrise on the 18th, moderate main stem river flooding persisted at Blantyre and vicinity until the early morning of the 20th, and the river did not fall below flood stage until the evening of the 20th.

Flash Flood in HAYWOOD, NORTH CAROLINA
From 17-AUG-21 14:30:00 to 17-AUG-21 22:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BURNETT SIDING
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 200.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency management and stream gauges reported catastrophic flash flooding developed within the Pigeon River watershed after 6 to 8 inches of rain fell in just a few hours across the northern slopes of the Balsams. This was on top of 5 to 10 inches that fell over the Shining Rock Wilderness during the morning of the 16th, resulting in 36-hour totals of more than a foot. Flash flooding initially developed along the West Fork and especially the East Fork of the Pigeon River. Water from the latter stream, swept downstream through the Cruso community causing widespread damage. Six people were killed in Cruso, four of them in a campground along the East Fork, where numerous recreational vehicles and automobiles were swept away. Water from the two forks of the river rushed downstream to the main channel of the Pigeon, causing major flooding along the stream in Canton and Clyde for the first time since Tropical Cyclone Ivan in September 2004. Numerous buildings in downtown Canton were inundated. In total, around 700 homes were impacted by flooding, with a couple of hundred of those destroyed. Numerous vehicles were also swept away or otherwise damaged and hundreds of people were rescued. Dozens of roads were flooded, with many roads and bridges damaged or destroyed.

Flash Flood in BUNCOMBE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 17-AUG-21 16:30:00 to 17-AUG-21 20:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: BLACK MTN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Stream gauges indicated flash flooding developed along the Swannanoa River after 6 to 10 inches of rain fell within the headwaters in around 24 hours, with  much of that falling in just a few hours during the afternoon of the 17th. In Black Mountain, significant flooding of Veterans Park and some roads surrounding the park was observed. Flooding developed downstream to Biltmore Village in Asheville, where multiple roads and the first floors of some buildings were inundated. The rise of the Swannanoa contributed to rapid rises on the French Broad River downstream of the confluence of the two streams, with multiple roads inundated on the west side of downtown. Flooding actually worsened in the Biltmore Village area after heavy rainfall and flash flooding ended.