Residents living below the Lake Lure Dam, situated approximately 20 miles southwest of Asheville, are facing a critical situation as multiple rounds of heavy rainfall have placed the dam at risk of imminent failure. The Rutherford County Department of Emergency Management issued a stark warning on Friday, urging residents to evacuate to higher ground immediately.
The county has reported that the Broad River is experiencing 'catastrophic flows' into Lake Lure, causing the dam to be overtopped and pushing it towards a state of imminent failure, as confirmed by the National Weather Service. The situation has escalated to the point where a flash flood emergency has been declared for the area, with nearly a foot of rainfall recorded in the past 24 hours.
The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, and authorities are emphasizing the need for swift action to ensure the safety of residents in the affected area. Evacuation to higher ground is strongly advised to mitigate the risks posed by the potential dam failure and the resulting flash flooding.
Emergency response teams are on high alert and are working diligently to manage the evolving situation. Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and to follow all directives issued by local authorities. The safety and well-being of the community remain the top priority as efforts are underway to address the immediate threat posed by the unstable conditions at Lake Lure Dam.
