Tracking: Duke Energy lake levels as Hurricane Helene approaches the Carolinas

CHARLOTTE ( PINPOINT WEATHER ) — As Hurricane Helene approaches the Carolinas, several areas are at risk of severe flooding.

THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING (12 p.m. – 8 p.m.):

Mountains and Foothills:

Expect heavy rounds of rain to continue, with the threat of scattered flash flooding. Between 3-6 inches of rainfall is likely through the evening, with locally higher amounts possible. Be prepared for a few rapid rises of smaller creeks, streams, and rivers.

Be sure to have a way to receive weather alerts and keep an eye on water levels near your area. Wind gusts will start to pick up this evening in the mountains and foothills. Expect gusts between 25-35 mph around sundown.

Piedmont and Sandhills:

Periods of heavy rain will continue through the evening, with a few breaks here and there. Watch out for a few isolated high-water issues through the evening. Isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out across the Piedmont and Sandhills as well.

Rainfall totals between 1-3 inches are possible in this zone through the evening, with locally higher amounts possible. The biggest areas of concern for flooding would be low-lying and poor drainage spots; including some smaller creeks, rivers, and streams. Wind gusts will start to pick up around Charlotte this afternoon, with gusts between 25-35 mph through the evening.

Duke Energy reports its current lake levels here.

Duke Energy: Current Lake Levels

Levels were recorded at 05:50 PM on September 26, 2024.

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