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More heavy rain heightens flooding concerns near local creeks, rivers

By Briana Harper
By Briana Harper

CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — Between Friday’s rainfall and the chance of showers in the week ahead, there’s a flooding concern for several local communities.

In Catawba County, emergency officials say Oxford Dam crested Friday night, with water rushing over the wall, causing concern for residents in the flood-prone area.

[Evacuation recommended for some Catawba Co. residents due to high water levels]

Along Lookout Shoals Lake near Carpenter’s Cove Road in Claremont, many homes have been raised to prevent water from getting inside their homes, and most of the backyards are already overtaken by high water.

[PAST COVERAGE: Dozens of homes damaged by flooding in Catawba Co.]

The recent downpours have flooded backyards and engulfed piers along local rivers and lakes.

[FORECAST: Wet weather returns to close out year]

Talitha Edwards said it’s common for her pier along her Lookout Shoals Lake home to be completely submerged during heavy rain.

“Our pier is completely under the water. We might have to replace that any boards there or not,” she said. "In years past, it used to be worse than it is now, but I think Duke Power has been able to control it a lot better now than when the good Lord brings all this rain.”

Edwards has been living in her family’s home for decades, and over time, they have learned to prepare for major flooding.

"We just start carrying everything up so that the water can't get into it,” Edwards said.

Residents say after days of heavy rain, massive flooding has become the norm; however, some improvements have been made.

Years ago, the Edwards made the decision to raise their home.

Emergency management officials suggested evacuations for some areas, while Duke Energy says they will continue to check water levels to see if it’s necessary to cut the power source in flood-prone areas.

"They say they're calling for more rain so we may be going through the same thing next week,” Edwards said.

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