May 6, 2003
Numerous thunderstorms producing very heavy rainfall resulted in rapid rises and flash flooding along creeks and streams in area in and around the Cherokee Indian Reservation. Most creeks around the reservation flooded. The high water caused damage to numerous homes. Many bridges and campgrounds were washed away. Several rock slides and mudslides resulted in closure of major highways as well as side roads.
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 5357030). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.
This event is one of many recorded floods in Swain County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.