Quick Hit:

Record-breaking rainfall from Hurricane Helene has inundated western North Carolina, creating life-threatening conditions with catastrophic flooding and the risk of dam failure. The storm has forced mass evacuations, while emergency services conduct swift-water rescues across the region.

Key Details:

• Western North Carolina has seen unprecedented rainfall, with totals between 15-25 inches, leading to swollen rivers and submerged roadways.

• The Lake Lure Dam was overtopped, triggering downstream evacuations, though engineers later confirmed the dam had stabilized.

• A tornado, spawned by Helene’s outer bands, caused critical injuries in Rocky Mount and left extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure.

Diving Deeper:

Hurricane Helene’s torrential rains have pushed western North Carolina to the brink of disaster, with record-breaking flooding reported across the region. According to a report from Fox Weather, rainfall totals in the southern Appalachian Mountains reached up to 25 inches, with Asheville experiencing its wettest September on record. As rivers like the Swannanoa and French Broad rose rapidly, nearby towns were submerged, and emergency services were stretched thin, conducting rescues and evacuating residents from their homes.

The Lake Lure Dam, a major concern in Rutherford County, became a focal point after being overtopped by floodwaters, prompting immediate evacuations. Although the dam withstood the deluge, structural erosion led to an emergency response, with officials warning downstream communities of potential evacuation. Fortunately, by Friday evening, engineers confirmed that the dam was no longer at imminent risk of failure, but water levels remained dangerously high.

The storm’s impact was felt far beyond the mountains. Rocky Mount, located further east, experienced a tornado that left four people critically injured and caused significant damage to buildings. Residents like Sonny Cardinale recalled the terror as the tornado hit, upending their lives and adding to the devastation from Helene.

Meteorologists are comparing the flood event to the catastrophic floods of 1916, which isolated towns for days and caused widespread destruction. Rivers are expected to remain at record levels through Monday, with local authorities bracing for continued damage as businesses and homes across the region remain underwater.

In Asheville’s historic Biltmore Village, floodwaters surged through streets, leaving vehicles stranded and debris scattered. Spencer Tate Andrews, a local resident, described the scene as "terrible" and feared the lasting impact it would have on the community.

Governor Roy Cooper has issued an urgent plea for residents to avoid travel and prioritize safety, as the state's recovery efforts are expected to continue well into the coming days.