Can you swim here today?
Townsend Branch
North Carolina · River
Use caution — an official advisory is in effect
Use cautionAs of August 21, 2026, the water temperature at Townsend Branch is 86°F (30°C), measured by USGS gauge 0212378405, 12.2 miles away.
Use caution — an official advisory is in effect: a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Anson, NC; Cumberland, NC; Harnett, NC; Hoke, NC; Johnston, NC; Lee, NC; Montgomery, NC; Moore, NC and other areas.
- A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Anson, NC; Cumberland, NC; Harnett, NC; Hoke, NC; Johnston, NC; Lee, NC; Montgomery, NC; Moore, NC and other areas. — NWS Raleigh NC
- A Flood Watch is in effect for Alamance; Orange; Durham; Randolph; Chatham; Wake; Johnston; Wilson; Stanly; Montgomery; Moore; Lee; Harnett and other areas. — NWS Raleigh NC
- Water temperature is 86°F, warm enough that sun and heat are the main concerns. — USGS gauge 0212378405, as of Aug 21, 4:15 PM gauge-local time
- Flow is within the normal range (25th–75th percentile) for Aug 21 (median 3,520 ft³/s over 12 years). — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Aug 21, 4:15 PM gauge-local time
- Heavy rain today can raise bacteria levels near outfalls and river mouths.
Flow is normal for this date — within the normal range (25th–75th percentile) for Aug 21 (median 3,520 ft³/s over 12 years).
No official beach-advisory feed for North Carolina yet — follow posted signs and local guidance.
Live, provisional data from USGS gauge PEE DEE R AT HWY731 BL LK TILLERY NR NORWOOD, NC (12.2 mi away), as of Aug 21, 4:15 PM gauge-local time.
Before you get in
- Never swim alone — and keep weaker swimmers within arm's reach.
- Scout depth and entry/exit points before you get in.
- Read the current: avoid fast, rising, or murky water.
- Check the forecast — get out well before storms or lightning.
- Obey posted signs, flags, and lifeguard guidance.
Read next
Conditions are for general information only and can change quickly. Always judge the water in person and follow posted advisories and local guidance before swimming or paddling.