‘Extreme caution’ urged for York, Lancaster, Chester flash flood watch, lake warning.
Flash flooding, heavy rain and thunderstorms are likely as York, Lancaster and Chester counties face bands of potentially severe weather.
Early Tuesday morning the National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch through Thursday morning. One watch area covers western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina, including York and Chester counties. The notice specifically mentions Rock Hill, Chester and Great Falls. Another covers Lancaster County, mentioning Lancaster and Indian Land.
The weather service projects likely scattered thunderstorms and heavy rain Tuesday into the night. Threats are brief, gusty winds and cloud to ground lightening. Multiple rounds of heavy rain showers and thunderstorms will move through the Carolinas through Wednesday night.
As of the notice Tuesday morning, some places within the watch area already saw two to four inches of rain starting Monday. Rapid rises could develop along streams, creeks and main stem rivers.
Up to five or six inches of rain could still come in parts of the watch area, per the advisory.
Duke Energy began moving water through the Catawba River reservoirs ahead of the anticipated wet weather. Lake Wylie had its water level drop almost a foot in a week in preparation.
As of 10 a.m. Tuesday, the water level in Lake Wylie was a little below target level for this time of year and more than three feet below its flood level. Mountain Island Lake, the nearest upstream reservoir to Wylie, was more than two feet above its target level. None of the 11 Catawba reservoirs were within a foot of flood level.
Lake-specific messages from Duke, the company that manages the reservoirs for power generation, indicate preparations for still more wet weather.
“Significant rainfall over the next five days will result in higher lake and river levels,” reads a Lake Wylie notice issued Tuesday morning. “Because rainfall amounts can be unpredictable, it is difficult to estimate peak lake levels until the rain event has concluded. Based on the current forecast, there is a potential for spillway gate operations at this reservoir.”
Duke continues to aggressively move water through the system to make space for rainfall throughout the basin.
“Individuals who live along lakes and rivers and in flood-prone areas should pay close attention to local media and weather forecasts for changes in weather conditions and rising water levels,” the notice continues.
Those residents can view conditions at duke-energy.com/lakes or call 800-829-5253.
A little before noon Tuesday, Duke issued an update that “extreme caution” should be used near rivers, lakes and streams experiencing high water and significant inflow.
Kim Crawford, Duke spokesperson, emailed the update that states higher lake levels and widespread spilling could occur.
“Lake residents along the Catawba-Wateree River should make preparations for flooding conditions and closely monitor lake levels,” it reads. “High water conditions can create navigational hazards and the public should continue to use caution around area lakes and rivers.”
Duke projects Mountain Island Lake could start flooding Tuesday. The lake could reach two feet or more above its full pond, or flood stage.
“We urge people living along lakes and rivers or in flood-prone areas to follow directions from emergency management agencies, and pay close attention to local media and the National Weather Service for changing weather conditions, including flash flood warnings and rising lake levels,” the email reads.
The National Weather Service predicts an 80 to 90 percent chance of rain in the area through Wednesday night.
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This story was originally published May 19, 2020 at 11:28 AM.
