2 reported dead in Rutherford Co. due to Helene

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA) – At least two people have now been confirmed dead in Rutherford County due to Hurricane Helene.

Rutherford County Emergency Management said they have been conducting welfare checks as they receive missing person reports and, to date, have accounted for around 500 people.

More than 21,100 remain without power in Rutherford County.

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office released more than two dozen photos showing the devastation in the Chimney Rock area.

An emergency shelter is still in place at R-S Central High School in Rutherfordton.

Emergency food and supply distribution centers have been set up at these locations:

• Florence Baptist Church: 201 S. Broadway Street, Forest City, NC
• Rutherford County Health Department: 221 Callahan Koon Road, Spindale, NC
• Thomas Jefferson High School: 2527 U.S. 221A, Mooresboro, NC
• Gilkey Church of God: 255 Oak Springs Road, Rutherfordton, NC

Residents in Lake Lure and Chimney Rock are permitted to return to their homes but must provide proof of residency at designated checkpoints, emergency management officials said.

Access across the bridge into Chimney Rock is not allowed except for residents living on Boys Camp Road, who will be allowed to return to their properties.

Broad River Water Authority and the Town of Forest City have confirmed their drinking water is safe, according to Rutherford County Emergency Management.

Swift water rescue and urban search and rescue teams from New York, Michigan, and eastern North Carolina are assisting in Rutherford County. Helicopter search and rescue teams are also in Rutherford County from NC Emergency Management, NC State Highway Patrol, NC Helicopter Aquatic Air Rescue Team, and the North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia National Guards.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.