Pop-up storms are a common occurrence during summer in Western North Carolina, but the risk of flooding varies significantly depending on the area’s level of development.
ALSO READ: Heavy rain pummels the East Coast and sparks isolated flash flooding
Flood risk is influenced not just by the amount of rainfall but by where it falls. Urban areas, with their extensive pavement, rooftops, and parking lots, are more susceptible to flooding as rainwater quickly turns into runoff, overwhelming storm drains and flooding low-lying streets. In contrast, rural areas with more natural ground cover like forests and fields allow rain to soak into the soil, reducing the likelihood of flooding unless the rain persists for hours…