*A general 2″ to 4″ of rainfall is currently expected across much of the Cumberland Mountains. Greater totals will also be possible at upper elevations. Strong water levels rises will occur and flooding can not be ruled out should totals end up near, or above, the higher end of this forecast range.
Rainfall Totals During September 15-18 Period
*Flooding rainfall amounts are expected along and east of the Blue Ridge province, with widespread totals of 4″ to 10″ . Locally heavier amounts, with potential for up to 18″+ will be possible at higher elevations along the Blue Ridge ( e.g., Grandfather Mountain and Mount Mitchell ).
Lesser 1″ to 4″ rainfall amounts are expected across adjacent zones, with locally higher amounts possible at upper elevations in the Cumberland Mountains.
A chance of showers & thunderstorms Saturday will give way to increasing wind-rain into overnight hours of Saturday-Sunday as the remnants of Florence begin impacting the Mountain Empire.
Florence is currently beneath a weak wind field, but is expected to begin moving fasting in coming days. This motion will be critical to rain amounts as noted below.
Orographic forcing will be a factor with enhanced rain amounts on windward slopes-crests. The current forecast track will generate inflow changes over time, complicating the rainfall forecast over mountainous locations within the Mountain Empire.
*NOTE that eventual rain amounts will be dependent upon the speed of movement of these remnants, with slower movement generating heavier amounts than forecast and an acceleration resulting in lesser amounts than currently forecast.
Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio and your favorite media sources for updates on Watches and Warnings which will be issued during this evening.
