The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C. (NWS GSP) is warning of the imminent failure of Lake Lure Dam in Rutherford County, N.C.
NWS GSP issued a flash flood emergency today, urging residents below the dam to escape to higher ground.
URGENT: FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY FOR THE LAKE LURE DAM! DAM FAILURE IMMINENT! RSIDENTS BELOW THE DAM NEED TO EVACUATE TO HIGHER GROUND IMMEDIATELY! #ncwx https://t.co/InksFUUYF6
— NWS GSP (@NWSGSP) September 27, 2024
The flash flood emergency in Rutherford County, the result of Hurricane Helene gusting up the U.S. mainland, lasts until 2:00 am ET Saturday.
A map posted just after noon ET on Friday highlighted staggering rainfall totals in the area since Tuesday morning.
Here is a preliminary map of the event total rainfall, since 8 AM Tuesday (3-day totals). Keep in mind this does not include additional rain since 8 AM this morning and that the data has not been thoroughly quality-controlled. #ncwx #scwx #gawx pic.twitter.com/UEaquDt2SY
— NWS GSP (@NWSGSP) September 27, 2024
The nearly 100-year-old, 120-foot-tall Lake Lure Dam impounds water for a small hydroelectric powerhouse that still utilizes its original plant, consisting of two turbine-generator units (one 1.2 MW, the other 2.2 MW). The power generated is sold to Duke Power Company and delivered through a substation above the dam. It does not generate 24/7 and is mainly used during peak periods.
Plans for a multi-million dollar improvement project are under way, which were expected to extend the life of the Lake Lure Dam by 50 years — but those plans may be on hold for now.
