Current Model Trends Paint Rainy Picture For WNC

Over 10” of rainfall will be possible this weekend for areas along the Blue Ridge Escarpment.
Winds could gust over 60 mph in higher elevations and gusts to 50 mph are possible in the valley
A widespread 3”-5” of rainfall is expected for all of WNC
Buncombe Co. has declared a State of Emergency.

Hurricane Florence As It Approaches NC Coast

12z European Total Precipitation Depiction

As you can see on the European model, the pink stripe up in WNC outlines the Eastern Blue Ridge Escarpment. This is where I think the most problem will occur regarding flooding. Florence will move right over WNC and then orient a feeder band that lingers over WNC for an extended period of time. Its difficult to say exactly how much rain will fall in this situations, but with tropical moisture.. over-performance is very possible. Check back tomorrow for another update as short range models begin to resolve what will occur.