iNWS Alert

NCC003-035-097-272000-
/O.NEW.KGSP.FA.Y.0168.240926T2107Z-240927T2000Z/
/00000.N.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Alexander NC-Catawba NC-Iredell NC-
507 PM EDT Thu Sep 26 2024

...FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EDT FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Nuisance to Minor shoreline and river flooding caused by
excessive rainfall and resultant dam gate releases at Oxford Dam.

* WHERE...The Catawba River from Oxford Dam to I-40 in portions of
Alexander, Catawba, and Iredell counties in North Carolina.

* WHEN...Until 400 PM EDT Friday.

* IMPACTS...Several docks, access areas, swimming areas, and
low-lying residential yards will likely flood. Some outbuildings,
campgrounds, and roads may be impacted with shallow flooding.
Residents are encouraged to heed guidance from local officials and
emergency management on any potential impacts to property.
Drivers are encouraged to heed any barricades and avoid all
flooded areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- At 405 PM EDT, Rainfall accumulations of 4-8 inches Wednesday
night into Thursday morning over the headwaters of the
Catawba River and associated tributaries has caused high
flows and increasing lake pool elevations along the Catawba
River. Excess water is being passed through Oxford Dam and
has resulted in rises at Lookout Shoals Lake, where the pool
is currently approaching 102.5 feet. This is causing
nuisance shoreline flooding and flooding of lake access
areas, campgrounds, docks, and swimming areas, as well as
residential yards. Caution is advised anywhere near such
areas.

* The latest pool elevations for the upper Catawba River
lakes are as follows (Full Pool is 100.0 feet):

Lake James: 100.16 feet and rising steadily.
Lake Rhodhiss: 94.98 feet and rising rapidly.
Lake Hickory: 96.52 feet and nearly steady.
Lookout Shoals Lake: 102.40 feet and rising steadily.

- Additional torrential, potentially devastating rainfall is
expected later tonight through Thursday morning from
Hurricane Helene. There is the potential for another 5-12
inches of rainfall from Lake Hickory to the Catawba River
headwaters, with the highest totals along the Blue Ridge
Escarpment. This rainfall will occur on saturated soils and
excessive runoff into elevated streams will result in
potentially catastrophic inflows into the Catawba River
lakes.

* Based on current rainfall forecasts and conditions, Duke
Energy expects Lookout Shoals Lake to reach or exceed 110.0
feet later Friday, which is 10.0 feet over full pond. The
current record pool elevation at Lookout Shoals Lake is
114.40 feet which occurred in August 1940. Lookout Shoals
Lake reached 108.30 feet on November 12, 2020, which is the
highest crest in the modern era. Major Flood Stage is 106.0
feet. These lake levels will cause unprecedented,
catastrophic flooding of Lookout Shoals Lake and possibly
adjacent reaches of the Catawba River.

* If the rainfall forecast verifies, Major flooding will be
likely along and near Lookout Shoals Lake and a Flash Flood
Emergency will be issued. Residents are encouraged to heed
guidance from local officials and emergency management on any
potential impacts to property. Drivers are encouraged to
heed any barricades and avoid all flooded areas. This has
the potential to be a historic and extremely dangerous event.
Please stay weather aware and monitor lake levels and Duke
Energy projections closely for any changes.

* For more information on lake levels or dam releases, people
are encouraged to visit http://lakes.duke-energy.com or call
1-800-829- 5253.

* Residents along Lookout Shoals Lake should contact Catawba
County Emergency Management immediately to update their
contact information using the following direct link to their
Community Alert System web page at:
https://www.catawbacountync.gov/alert

- Flooding will affect areas of the Catawba River from Oxford
Dam to I-40, including Lookout Shoals Lake.

- Http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Boaters, fishermen, kayakers, swimmers, and other lake users are
encouraged to exercise caution during elevated lake levels and
downstream releases. Lake residents are encouraged to avoid areas
along the stream below dams releasing water.

&&

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LAT...LON 3585 8114 3581 8111 3576 8107 3574 8105
3572 8107 3572 8109 3573 8109 3576 8112
3581 8116 3581 8119 3584 8120