Tropical Storm Helene Sparks Evacuations and Deadly Flooding Across North Carolina

Tropical Storm Helene continues to cause widespread damage across the Southeast U.S., particularly in North Carolina, where strong winds and heavy rain have resulted in dangerous conditions. Rutherford County’s Emergency Management has ordered evacuations for residents living near the Lake Lure Dam, as water levels overtopped the dam, posing serious risks.

As the storm progresses, emergency personnel are conducting swift water rescues, having already saved more than 25 people. While water levels have begun to recede, authorities remain cautious as the structural integrity of the dam has been compromised.

Lake Lure Dam faced significant stress as the water crested over its walls, prompting evacuations and the sounding of evacuation sirens downstream. Emergency personnel are working with structural engineers to assess the damage and ensure that residents in the danger zone have been evacuated.

Evacuees are being temporarily sheltered at a local Ingles grocery store. The flooding is primarily driven by “catastrophic flows” from the Broad River, which feeds into Lake Lure, leading to major downstream flooding.

In addition to the flooding concerns, the storm has created hazardous conditions across the region, with downed trees and electrical lines making roads impassable.

Authorities have issued flood warnings for multiple counties, including Avery, Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga, Wilkes, and Boone, urging residents in non-evacuation zones to stay home to avoid dangerous road conditions. Emergency management continues to monitor the situation and provide updates on necessary evacuations.

Tragically, the storm has claimed several lives in North Carolina. A 4-year-old child was killed in a car accident in Catawba County as Helene’s outer bands began to hit the state. In Charlotte, another person was killed when a tree fell on a house early Friday morning. These fatalities highlight the deadly impact of the storm, even in areas not directly hit by flooding.

Meteorologists from the National Weather Service (NWS) had previously warned of catastrophic and life-threatening flooding in Western North Carolina as Hurricane Helene approached. The region has been hit with six to ten inches of rain, with high winds exacerbating the damage. Residents were warned not to underestimate the storm’s severity, with the potential for more destructive flooding in the coming hours.