Flood Advisory issued December 29 at 10:17AM EST until December 31 at 1:00AM EST by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC

…The Flood Advisory continues for the French Broad River in North
Carolina…

…Near Fletcher affecting Buncombe and Henderson Counties.

…At Asheville affecting Buncombe County.

.Heavy rainfall has ended across the upper French Broad River
watershed and no significant rainfall is expected for at least
several days. Storm-total rainfall of 3-5″ occurred across the
watershed, resulting in significant rises along the upper French
Broad River and associated tributaries. While the line of strong to
severe thunderstorms did progress more quickly as forecasted last
night, it is likely soil moisture and groundwater levels are still
elevated following TC Helene and are contributing to excessive
runoff. Therefore, given the stream response along the headwaters
of the French Broad River near Rosman, the Davidson River, and the
Little River, the French Broad River will likely meet or exceed the
original forecasted crest of 18.0 feet and approach a crest near
18.5 feet by Monday afternoon before falling back below Minor Flood
Stage by Tuesday morning. Downstream, the French Broad River at
Flecther is expected to now crest above Action/Advisory Stage near
12.5 feet early Monday morning. However, due to limited local flow
along the French Broad River at Asheville, the original forecasted
crest of 7.5 feet remains the reasonable worse-case scenario there
and it may crest below this level by Monday morning before receding
back below Action/Advisory Stage by Monday evening.

Please note that despite the existence of a River Flood Warning and
Advisories, we only expect nuisance to Minor flooding along the
French Broad River and associated tributaries. While any flooding
is unwelcome, the flooding that we expect is quite common for this
time of year and will NOT compare in any way whatsoever to the
flooding experienced during Tropical Cyclone Helene. With nuisance
to Minor flooding expect flooding of low-lying areas adjacent to
streams and other poor-drainage areas, including farmland, parks,
greenways, boat-access areas, golf courses, underpasses, and parking
lots. Isolated, shallow flows over roadways is possible. A few
flood-prone, low-water crossings may become impassible. The
flooding may be a few feet deep in these areas where Minor Flood
Stage is exceeded.

* WHAT…Nuisance flooding caused by excessive rainfall is likely.

* WHERE…French Broad River at Asheville.

* WHEN…From this morning to early Tuesday morning.

* IMPACTS…At 7.5 feet, Action stage flooding continues. French
Broad River floodwaters continue to flood Woodfin Riverside Park,
the floodplain adjacent to Craggy Dam Reservoir, Carrier Park, and
French Broad River Park as well as other low-lying areas within
the flood plain. Floodwaters may be approaching Amboy Rd. and
Lyman St. Local small tributaries including Smith Mill Creek near
Emma Rd. may be exceeding bankfull levels.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– At 9:30 AM EST Sunday the stage was 4.0 feet and rising
steadily.
– Forecast…The river is expected to rise above
Action/Advisory Stage later tonight with a reasonable worse-
case crest of 7.5 feet by Monday morning. The river is
expected to recede below Action/Advisory Stage no later than
Monday evening.
– Action/Advisory Stage is 6.5 feet.
– Minor Flood Stage is 9.5 feet.
– http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood