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Flash Flood Watch: Emergency crews dealing with rising water levels, washed out roads

Heavy rain continues to be in the forecast Thursday morning, which could lead to more flooding in the area.

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Flash flood warnings are up for our region until Thursday morning.

On Wednesday, the National Weather Service reported a 3-mile section of US 64 in Rutherford County was shut down because the road washed out. Officials said it will be closed east southeast of Lake Lure at Rock Branch Road.

Several roads in McDowell County and the greenway in Marion have also been closed due to high water levels as several inches of rain fell in the high country Wednesday.

John Berning scrambled to move his camper to higher ground at the River Breeze Campground in Marion as the Catawba River began to flood in McDowell County.

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“There’s no sense in sitting here, because it’s going to rain over the next three days,” Berning said. “If that river comes up, shoot, the water will be up to here if you’re not careful.”

Marion and the town of Old Fort have declared states of emergency due to the ongoing heavy rain.

McDowell County leaders are concerned as much as 10 inches of rain could fall causing mudslides in the mountains.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has road closure signs propositioned in case the water rises any more.

Duke Energy statement for Thursday:

We want to provide you an important update from Duke Energy.

The Catawba-Wateree and Yadkin-Pee Dee river basins are experiencing increased inflows from recent rainfall. Duke Energy continues to aggressively move water through the river systems using our hydro generating units, spillways and flood gates.

Given current conditions and forecasts, Lake James, Lake Rhodhiss, Lookout Shoals Lake, Mountain Island Lake and Lake Wateree are spilling and will continue to spill for the next several days as water is moved through the lakes.

Blewett Falls Lake on the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin is spilling and has exceeded 101 feet.

Extreme caution should be used near rivers, lakes and streams. High-water conditions can create navigational hazards and the public should continue to use caution around area lakes and rivers.

We urge people living along lakes and rivers or in flood-prone areas to follow directions from emergency management agencies, and pay close attention to local media and the National Weather Service for changing weather conditions, including flash flood warnings and rising lake levels.

We are posting real-time updates on:

  • Duke Energy’s webpage: duke-energy.com/lakes
  • Duke Energy’s lake services phone line: 800.829.5253
  • Duke Energy’s free Lake View app (downloadable from your cellphone app store)

Note: Duke Energy continues coordinating closely with emergency management officials in North Carolina and South Carolina, who are reaching out to potentially impacted lake residents.