Lake Lure Dam Failure Imminent, Evacuations Ordered Due to Flooding in Western North Carolina

As Tropical Storm Helene continues to impact the Southeast U.S., heavy rain and strong winds have been wreaking havoc, especially in North Carolina, where emergencies have been declared and evacuations ordered in certain counties.

Impact of Helicopter

The Emergency Management office in Rutherford County took to social media on Friday morning to inform residents living on specific roads to evacuate to higher areas due to concerns over the Lake Lure Dam. The post stated that water was overtopping the dam, urging immediate action from affected residents.

In a worrying update, the Emergency Management office warned that the failure of the Lake Lure Dam was deemed "imminent." This alarming information was corroborated by the National Weather Service (NWS), which highlighted the catastrophic flows along the Broad River into Lake Lure, leading to significant flooding downstream.

Evacuation Order

Officials promptly outlined the roads from which residents were required to evacuate, and this essential information was made available on the Rutherford County Emergency Management Facebook page. The distressed dam in question is located approximately 30 miles southeast of Asheville, making the situation critical for nearby residents.

Additionally, flood warnings have been issued for several counties and towns in Western North Carolina, including Avery, Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga, Wilkes, and Boone, highlighting the widespread impact of the storm.

Casualties and Destruction

The relentless storms have resulted in tragedy, with the unfortunate loss of a 4-year-old child and injuries to others in a wreck in Catawba County on Thursday, attributed to the outer bands of Helene affecting the state. In the city of Charlotte, a tree falling on a home led to a fatality and another person being hospitalized in the early hours of Friday, underlining the storm's devastating effects.

Furthermore, the NWS had previously warned of the impending arrival of the outer rain band of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, predicting an additional six to ten inches of rain, accompanied by high winds. NWS Meteorologist Clay Chaney emphasized the need for residents in the region to heed the potential for "catastrophic, life-threatening flooding," cautioning against underestimating the severity of the conditions.

Before the storm's arrival on September 26, Amboy Road in Asheville was closed between Interstate 240 and Meadow Road due to flooding. The Watauga River also experienced flooding, as seen in the Guy Ford Road bridge. Furthermore, communities in Valle Crucis, North Carolina, witnessed residents playing in floodwaters, highlighting the extent of the impact on the local populace.

In summary, the ongoing effects of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina have prompted evacuations, flood warnings, and tragic incidents. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and heed official warnings to ensure their safety amid the devastating weather conditions.