Imminent Failure of Lake Lure Dam: Urgent Warning as North Carolina Faces Flood Threat

Lake Lure North Carolina Faces Flood Threat

Severe Flooding Hits Western North Carolina as Tropical Storm Helene Unleashes Havoc

Western North Carolina is grappling with significant flooding as Tropical Storm Helene unleashes heavy rain across the region. After making landfall in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, Helene has weakened but continues to pose a serious threat with strong winds and torrential downpours.

In Rutherford County, emergency officials have issued urgent evacuation orders for residents on certain roads near Lake Lure Dam, which is at risk of imminent failure. According to a Facebook update from the Rutherford County Emergency Management, water is overtopping the dam, leading to "catastrophic flows" along the Broad River and severe flooding downstream.

Flood warnings are in effect across multiple counties, including Avery, Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga, Wilkes, and Boone. Tragically, the storm has already claimed lives; a 4-year-old child was killed in a car accident in Catawba County, and a person died after a tree fell on a home in Charlotte early Friday morning.

The National Weather Service has warned of "catastrophic, life-threatening flooding" in the area, predicting an additional six to ten inches of rain as Helene's outer bands continue to affect the region. Meteorologist Clay Chaney cautioned that residents should not underestimate the severity of the storm's impact.

For updates on evacuation routes and safety information, residents can visit the Rutherford County Emergency Management Facebook page.

Imminent Failure of Lake Lure Dam: Urgent Warning as North Carolina Faces Flood Threat