Lake Lure dam failure ‘imminent,’ Flash Flood Emergency issued

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, N.C. ( QUEEN CITY NEWS ) — Lake Lure water levels are slowly receding after a mandatory evacuation was announced for residents below the dam in low-lying flood-prone areas.

Mass notification sirens have been activated, according to the Town of Lake Lure. A secondary shelter has been set up Friday at the Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church located at 252 North Washington Street in the Town of Rutherfordton.

Below is the following alert that was issued Friday by the National Weather Service.

“Flash Flood Emergency for the Lake Lure Dam! Dam failure imminent! Residents below the dam need to evacuate to higher ground immediately!”

On Thursday night, North Carolina Emergency Management for Rutherford County issued a flood warning and told residents to have a plan to evacuate.

The Lake Lure flood gates were operating at 26 feet late Thursday night and flood warning sirens were activated, according to N.C. Emergency Management.

Severe weather sirens up and downstream were also activated along the Broad River. However, officials say a potential dam failure will not impact Chester County residents.

Around 7 p.m. Friday evening, officials announced that the water was starting to recede. Engineers are working to evaluate the bridge. More updates are to come.

Staff with the Town of Lake Lure have gone door-to-door downstream to check on residents. Portions of Highway 64 and Highway 74 are blocked. Crews are working to clear the roads and restore power in the area.

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