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Flash Flood Warning issued for Charlotte
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for Charlotte and Mecklenburg County until 2:15 a.m. Saturday.
Late Friday night, a strong thunderstorm brought several inches of rain to Charlotte. The National Weather Service decided to issue a Flash Flood Warning for the Interstate 77 corridor between Uptown Charlotte and Pineville.
“Flooding is likely occurring or will be begin shortly in the area between Irwin Creek and Little Sugar Creek, and in areas near I-77 south of Uptown,” the National Weather Service explained in a released weather bulletin.
An estimated 3 inches of rain fell in less than an hour.
A map tweeted by First Warn Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich showed the area of concern:
As of midnight, rain gauges across the concerned area had measured about 2-3 inches of rain. The thunderstorm could bring an additional inch or two of rain during the overnight hours.
Images from creeks across the Charlotte area show water levels slightly higher than usual. This image from Briar Creek near Shamrock Drive shows water cresting beyond its banks.
A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for the Charlotte area.
USGS
A Flash Flood Warning is issued by the National Weather Service when localized flooding can happen suddenly. In some cases, it happens along waterways while it other cases it can occur in poor drainage areas of urban environments.
Little Sugar Creek near Hillside Avenue rose about 7 feet between 11 p.m. and midnight.
Briar Creek rose as much as 4 feet in some locations.
Residents who notice water rising near their home, should seek higher grounds. Motorists who encounter a flooded roadway, should turn around and seek an alternate route.
As of midnight, there were no reports of injuries or damage.
Officials will continue to monitor water levels and may issue additional weather bulletins as needed.
The Flash Flood Warning is scheduled to expire at 2:15 a.m. Saturday.
Stay with WCNC and the First Warn Weather team for the very latest.