Flash Flood in Henderson County, North Carolina

Flash flooding developed along the Rocky Broad River when 6 to 9 inches of rain fell in about an 8 hour period along the eastern escarpment. The river gauge at Bat Cave reached 11 feet at around 11 am. About 100 people were evacuated from the area, mostly from flooded campgrounds. Several structures were damaged by flood water. Highway 64/74 and Riverside Dr were covered with water and closed. A bridge was washed out on Edney Inn Rd just south of Bat Cave due to flooding on Reedypatch Creek. Flooding along this creek damaged the porch of a log home. Approximately 20 homes were isolated due to washed out bridges and driveways. A couple required rescue when their car stalled in high water on highway 64 between Edneyville and Bat Cave. Most roads in the Edneyville area required closing at some point. Other roads flooded in the Dana and Fruitland areas. Mudslides also developed, covering portions of the major highways in the area with debris, and damaging at least 1 business.

Severe urban flooding developed, with numerous roads flooded. Water entered some buildings, including the basements of homes, causing considerable damage. Mud Creek flooded in the southern part of Hendersonville and damaged a parking lot.

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.