Intense rainfall causes floods in North Carolina mountains, threat of dam failure rises

Days of relentless rainfall in North Carolina, exacerbated by tropical downpours from the remnants of Hurricane Helene, have led officials to closely monitor a major dam and contend with widespread flooding. The mountainous region experienced over a foot of rain over the past few days, resulting in a critical situation as Helene transitioned into a tropical storm on Friday, contributing to at least two storm-related deaths.
The intense hurricane made landfall late Thursday in the Florida Panhandle before swiftly moving towards the mountains. Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, saw gusts of up to 108 mph (174 kph). In light of the hazardous conditions, the state Department of Transportation declared all roads in western North Carolina as essentially closed. Interstate 40 near Old Fort and Interstate 26 near Hendersonville were both shut down.
Governor Roy Cooper reported that rescue crews had conducted about 100 swiftwater rescues by Friday morning, with around half of them taking place in Asheville. Cooper emphasized the importance of prioritizing life-saving efforts and urged residents to avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary for seeking safer locations.
Concerns were raised in Rutherford County about the integrity of Lake Lure Dam, as water flowed over the dam’s entire length, prompting erosion on one side. The dam, which stands at approximately 480 feet (146 meters) long and 120 feet (36.6 meters) high, was observed to be functioning as designed, albeit struggling with the unprecedented water levels.
Authorities ensured that downstream communities were informed of the situation and prepared to evacuate if required, with emergency action plans in place in both North Carolina and South Carolina. The iconic lake, known for its connection to the film “Dirty Dancing,” posed a heightened risk due to the ongoing heavy rainfall.
Flooding in downtown Boone, an unaccustomed phenomenon according to local officials, forced Appalachian State University to cancel a scheduled football game. The widespread floods drew comparisons to the catastrophic 1916 flood that ravaged the region, isolating Asheville and claiming numerous lives.
Multiple rivers across the area reached or exceeded record levels, with water levels anticipated to remain high until at least Monday. Scenes of flooding, like those witnessed in Biltmore Village where vehicles were submerged, underscored the dire impacts of the severe weather event on the region. Emergency responders faced challenges, including road washouts and a mudslide affecting multiple homes.
The gravity of the situation was not lost on onlookers, with one individual remarking on the devastation while acknowledging the potential widespread repercussions on residents and businesses. The catastrophic natural disaster unfolding in western North Carolina has prompted a coordinated response to address the immediate dangers and safeguard affected communities.