Flood Watch, Tornado Watch Continue As Ivan Marches North

GREENVILLE -- The flooding threat for parts of the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia may have decreased slightly after the latest forecast track indicates that Hurricane Ivan will move through the Southeast more quickly than previously thought, but major flooding is expected along two Upstate rivers.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Saluda River at West Pelzer and for the Broad River at Blacksburg. Both are forecast to crest six feet above flood stage Saturday morning.

Upper-level wind increases are expected to bring an increased chance of tornadoes across the region Thursday night and Friday. A tornado watch has been issued for northeast Georgia and South Carolina until 9 p.m. Further watches may be issued Thursday afternoon.

Thursday morning's projected storm track predicts Ivan will move into Tennessee Friday morning, and progress northeast before turning east into Virginia Saturday morning.

WYFF News 4 chief meteorologist John Cessarich said areas east of I-85 are forecast to get 3 to 6 inches of rain, and areas west of I-85 could get 8 to 12 inches of rain, while some upslope areas east of the mountains could get 15 inches of rain.

A flood watch has been issued for the entire region until 6 a.m. Sunday. Forecasters said the forecast rainfall could cause flooding equal to or greater than the flooding caused by Hurricane Frances last week. A high wind watch is in effect for the mountains from Thursday night until Friday night.

With the latest forecast, however, rainfall totals could decrease significantly.

People living along lakes, rivers and streams or other flood-prone areas are advised to take precautions now to protect property and develop plans for leaving their homes if needed.

All outdoor athletic and other activities for Greenville County public schools, both home and away, for Thursday and Friday nights are canceled.

Upstate Visual Arts and the city of Greenville have postponed Art In The Park, scheduled for this weekend, until Oct. 23-24.

Engineers have been releasing water from Lake Hartwell and Lake Thurmond in preparation for heavy rainfall. Emergency services in Asheville and western N.C. are dispersing equipment and updating emergency plans.

Anderson County officials said Wednesday that they would lower the level of Broadway Lake by two to three feet in the next 24 hours, and would open the spillway gates again during the storm if needed. Water is also being drained from Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee.

"So we don't know what to expect. We may not get anything, but the main thing is, stay tuned," Oconee County Emergency Preparedness Director Henry Gordon said.

Relief agencies are polling volunteers about their availability if shelters need to be opened.

Many high school football games have been moved to Thursday evening or canceled, and people are advised to check with their favorite school to see when or if this week's game will be played.

Ginny Green of Greenville lives along the Saluda River and is already prepared. She's piled a computer, clothes, suitcases and other household items on her beds, to keep them away from rising water.

Rainfall is expected to taper off Sunday as the remnants of Ivan move off to the northeast. But Hurricane Jeanne could pay the S.C. coast a visit by the middle of next week.

Stay tuned to WYFF News 4 and TheCarolinaChannel.com for the latest information.

Previous Stories:

• September 15, 2004: Ivan Projected To Stall West Of Carolinas
• September 13, 2004: Ivan Begins Northern Turn Toward Florida Panhandle, Carolinas