Headline:
Flash Flood Warning issued May 27 at 5:18PM EDT until May 27 at 9:30PM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC
Event:
Flash Flood Warning
Urgency:
Immediate
Effective:
May 27, 2026 - 2:18pm
Expires:
May 27, 2026 - 6:30pm
Description:
At 518 PM EDT, Doppler radar shows that the earlier training
thunderstorms responsible for torrential rainfall and flash-flooding
within the Buffalo Cove watershed have moved well outside of the
area and weakened. No additional heavy rainfall is expected.
However, significant flows are continuing along Buffalo Creek and
feeder streams. Impacts to roadways and property are likely ongoing.
The public is reporting Stone Mountain Rd is currently underwater.
A storm spotter is reporting water and debris flowing over the
intersection of Lick Log Lane and Buffalo Cove Rd near Green Rock
Branch. This location is downstream of the more significant
rainfall and excessive runoff, suggesting more significant impacts
already occurred upstream along Buffalo Creek and several feeder
streams, including Field Branch along Old Field Creek Ln, Long Ridge
Branch near Cottrell Pl, and Joes Creek along CC Camp Rd. Other
impacted areas may include Rippling Creek Pl, Woodward Ln, Douglas
Ln, and Camp Carolwood Rd.
Please STAY AWAY from creeks and culvert/bridge crossings and avoid
all flooded areas. Obey any barricades in place even once flood
waters have receded because the road may have been compromised and
may still not be safe for travel.
It will take at least another 1-2 hours for streams to crest and
recede below bankfull levels, with impacts possibly lingering along
Buffalo Creek for another hour or so. The Flash Flood Warning will
remain in place until streams have receded and Caldwell County
Emergency Management confirms the flood threat has ended and it is
safe to travel within the area.
HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing
flash flooding.
SOURCE...Trained spotters reported.
IMPACT...Life-threatening flash flooding along the Buffalo Creek
watershed. Expect significant flooding of adjacent low-
lying areas, including parks, trails, low-water
crossings, boat-access areas, and campgrounds. Flooding
of some crawl spaces and basements is possible with
potential flooding of first-floors in residences and
businesses near streams. Evacuations may be needed. An
isolated landslide or two cannot be ruled out.
Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Buffalo Creek valley and associated tributaries in the Buffalo Cove
Community. Areas of concern include near Buffalo Cove Road, Stone
Mountain Road and Cove Branch Road.
Instruction:
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are
potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded
roads. Find an alternate route.
Flooding is occurring or is imminent. It is important to know where
you are relative to streams, rivers, or creeks which can become
killers in heavy rains. Campers and hikers should avoid streams or
creeks.
Heavy rain is increasing the risk of landslides, especially in areas
where slides have occurred in the past. Be especially alert if you
are near a stream, especially at the base of a mountain or in a
cove. Watch for loose-moving soil and rocks or a sudden increase in
streamflow. Leave the area quickly if this is observed. When driving
along roads where the terrain is steep or rocky, watch and listen
for falling rocks, mud, trees, and other debris.
Area Description:
Caldwell, NC
Forcast Office:
NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC
Sender:
w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov