LAKE LURE, N.C. — The National Weather Service has reported that excessive rainfall has posed a serious threat to the Lake Lure dam.
As of 11 a.m. on Friday, Lake Lure officials informed Rutherford County Emergency Management that water is expected to spill over the Lake Lure Dam.
In response to this threat, a mandatory evacuation has been ordered for residents in low-lying, flood-prone areas below the dam, including the Cleghorn, Union, Green Hill communities, as well as Harris and Cliffside. Evacuees are advised to head to Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church at 2525 N. Washington St. in Rutherfordton, North Carolina.
“Residents are urged to seek higher ground immediately and follow all evacuation orders from Rutherford County Emergency Management to protect your life and the lives of your family,” said the emergency alert issued for the county.
A Flash Flood Emergency has been issued for the area, lasting through 2:30 p.m., due to the effects of Tropical Storm Helene.
Helene, which made landfall in Florida late Thursday night, has brought torrential rain, flash flooding, and damaging winds to the Carolinas early Friday morning.
Lake Lure is located in Rutherford County, approximately two hours west of Charlotte, North Carolina.