Flash flood watch out for region west of Salisbury

Published 12:00 am Thursday, July 11, 2013

ASHEVILLE (AP) — The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for much of the North Carolina mountains and foothills as officials worry another day of rain could cause major problems.
Thursday’s watch is from Charlotte to Salisbury westward. Forecasters say a cold front will enhance the heavy rain. With the ground already soggy, just an inch of rain in a short time could cause serious flooding.
A number of mudslides and washed out roads have already been reported in the mountains, but transportation officials say no major highways have been affected,
The weather service says Asheville has seen more than 47 inches of rain so far this year, which is 10 inches above the wettest year to date on record. Charlotte has had 29.12 inches of rain, 7 inches above normal.