Heavy rain prompts evacuations as North Carolina dam faces risk of failure

The Lake Lure dam in western North Carolina overtopped after Hurricane Helene inundated the area, prompting evacuations and warnings that the dam could fail. A second potential dam failure at Walters Dam, less than 100 miles away, caused concern in Newport, Tennessee, leading to evacuations. The Lake Lure dam remains at imminent risk of failing, which could flood downstream communities and even impact towns in South Carolina. The town of Lake Lure had been working to replace the aging dam and had received grants to help with the project. The area near Lake Lure had experienced extreme rainfall, with 8 to 16 inches in three days, leading to concerns about the dam’s stability. The dam was categorized as high risk, likely to cause loss of life if it failed or misoperated. Confusion arose in Newport, Tennessee, after false statements about the Walters Dam failing were announced, leading to evacuations. The incident highlights the aging infrastructure of dams in the United States, with many in need of restoration to meet changing climate conditions and growing populations living near dams. Dams in the U.S. have experienced failures in recent years, emphasizing the need for timely maintenance and upgrades to ensure public safety.

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