Lake Lure Dam Stabilizes After Flooding Amid Tropical Storm Helene

On September 27, 2024, officials in Rutherford County, North Carolina, issued an urgent warning about a potential failure of the Lake Lure Dam due to excessive flooding caused by Tropical Storm Helene. Following relentless rainfall and rising water levels in the Broad River, water began overtopping the nearly century-old dam, prompting immediate evacuations in the areas downstream. Residents were instructed to move to higher ground as the situation became increasingly dire.

By late Friday afternoon, emergency personnel were going door-to-door, urging people to leave. Sirens blared as authorities feared the structural supports of the dam had been compromised. The evacuation affected not only the town of Lake Lure but also areas in Cleveland County, given the widespread risk of flooding. Roads across western North Carolina were declared unsafe, with floodwaters rising rapidly and debris making travel treacherous.

However, in a turn of good news later that evening, engineers reassessed the dam’s condition and reported that it was no longer at immediate risk of failure. While water continued to flow over the dam, the structure had stabilized, alleviating fears of an imminent breach. A curfew was imposed in the area to ensure safety as emergency crews continued to monitor the situation and clear blocked roads(

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Despite the improved outlook, the storm’s impact on the surrounding areas remains severe. Flooding from Tropical Storm Helene caused significant destruction throughout western North Carolina, with rainfall totals reaching up to 25 inches in some regions. Although the immediate danger from the dam has subsided, residents remain on high alert as cleanup efforts are underway and authorities work to ensure the dam’s long-term stability