The Town of Lake Lure confirmed that mass notification sirens were activated, and a secondary shelter was established on Friday at the Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church at 252 N. Washington St. in Rutherfordton.
“The flow rate has been controlled, and there is no immediate danger,” said Rutherford County Emergency Management officials on Friday night.
Earlier that day, the National Weather Service had issued an urgent alert:
“Flash Flood Emergency for the Lake Lure Dam! Dam failure imminent! Residents below the dam need to evacuate to higher ground immediately!”
The emergency message was also shared on social media, urging residents to take immediate action.
On Thursday night, North Carolina Emergency Management for Rutherford County had already issued a flood warning, advising residents to prepare for possible evacuation. At that time, the Lake Lure floodgates were operating at 26 feet, and flood warning sirens were activated by N.C. Emergency Management. Severe weather sirens were also activated upstream and downstream along the Broad River, though officials noted that a potential dam failure would not affect Chester County residents downstream.
By 7 p.m. on Friday, officials reported that water levels were starting to recede, and engineers were assessing the condition of the bridge. Local traffic was restricted in the area.
Town of Lake Lure staff went door-to-door downstream to check on residents. Portions of Highway 64 and Highway 74 were closed as crews worked to clear debris and restore power to the area.
