Western North Carolina is facing severe flooding in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene, just hours after the powerful storm made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane. While Helene has since weakened into a tropical storm, its strong winds and relentless rainfall continue to wreak havoc across the southeastern U.S., with North Carolina being hit particularly hard.
In Rutherford County, emergency management officials have issued evacuation orders for residents living near the Lake Lure Dam. The situation is critical, as the dam is at risk of imminent failure due to water overtopping it. The county’s Emergency Management shared this alarming update on their Facebook page, warning residents to seek higher ground immediately.
The Lake Lure Dam, located about 30 miles southeast of Asheville, is experiencing “catastrophic flows” into the Broad River, which feeds into the lake. The water levels have risen dramatically, causing it to spill over the dam and leading to major flooding downstream. The National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed these dangerous conditions, stating that the risk of the dam’s failure is extremely high.
As of Friday morning, officials from Rutherford County urged residents living on certain roads near the dam to evacuate without delay. The evacuation order is a precautionary measure as authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. A list of roads affected by the evacuation orders has been made available on the Rutherford County Emergency Management’s Facebook page.
Flood warnings have been issued for several counties in Western North Carolina, including Avery, Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga, Wilkes, and Boone. These areas are experiencing significant rainfall as a result of Helene’s outer rain bands, which have been lashing the state since Thursday.
The National Weather Service has warned of potentially “catastrophic, life-threatening flooding” in these regions. With six to ten inches of rain expected, the situation could worsen as rivers and streams continue to rise. In addition to heavy rain, high winds are also a concern, with the potential to cause further damage and power outages.
Unfortunately, the storm has already claimed lives in North Carolina. A 4-year-old child was killed in a car accident in Catawba County on Thursday as Helene’s outer bands were moving through the state. Several others were injured in the same incident, highlighting the dangerous driving conditions created by the heavy rain and flooding.
In another tragic incident, a person was killed and another was injured in Charlotte when a tree fell on their home early Friday morning. The Charlotte Fire Department confirmed that the death was storm-related and urged residents to take extreme caution as the storm continues to move through the region.
Local and state authorities have been working tirelessly to prepare for the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has urged residents to take the situation seriously and heed evacuation orders and warnings from local officials.
Rutherford County officials have stressed that the risk to life and property is significant, especially for those living near the Lake Lure Dam and in low-lying areas prone to flooding. Emergency shelters have been set up to accommodate evacuees, and rescue teams are on standby to assist anyone trapped by the rising floodwaters.
In another tragic incident, a person was killed and another was injured in Charlotte when a tree fell on their home early Friday morning. The Charlotte Fire Department confirmed that the death was storm-related and urged residents to take extreme caution as the storm continues to move through the region.
Local and state authorities have been working tirelessly to prepare for the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has urged residents to take the situation seriously and heed evacuation orders and warnings from local officials.
Rutherford County officials have stressed that the risk to life and property is significant, especially for those living near the Lake Lure Dam and in low-lying areas prone to flooding. Emergency shelters have been set up to accommodate evacuees, and rescue teams are on standby to assist anyone trapped by the rising floodwaters.
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