Lake Lure Storm Updates - Saturday, 9/28/25 7PM

Storm Damage Update sign

The following are updates from Saturday, 9/28/25 7PM: 

1) Cell and internet service remains extremely challenging. The Town has requested emergency equipment to assist with this situation. This post may be delayed due to limited internet access. 

2) Egress/Ingress for Lake Lure. 
- Please do not come to the area unless you absolutely need to be here. 
- Crews worked extremely hard to clear one lane which is now passable through Lake Lure on Memorial Highway; however, traffic is limited due to vast distraction in the area. 
-Highway 9 is open through LL to McQuinns‘s store, just passed Sunnyview. The Lake Adger dam has been compromised and the road is not passable or safe beyond this point. We have been advised that the bridge will be out for some time. 
- We have been advised that there is a route out of Lake Lure on Highway 9 to Big Level Road (in Sunnyview), then take Highway 108 to I-26. We do not have information regarding I-26. 
- Another potential route is 64/74 headed from Lake Lure to Rutherfordton. The road was opened today and is no longer blocked at Bills Creek Road. The Rutherford Sheriff Department advised the road was now open through to Rutherfordton. 

3) Lake Lure Dam:
- Schnabel Engineers have conducted an assessment and have identified a plan for repairs but THE DAM REMAINS STABLE. 
- FEMA is coming in to assess the situation. 

4) Clean-up: 
- The National Guard is in Tien and they are assisting with cleanup. 
- Multiple contractors are assisting staff with clean-up efforts. The priority is clearing primary roadways. 
- Overhead photos were taken today of the entire area to help assess the damage and to aid in developing a plan of action for clean-up. 

5) Water/Sewer System: 
- The NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued a NO FLUSH ORDER for the area, though we realize most homes are without power and cannot flush at this point. 
- A BOIL ADVISORY has also been ordered, athough we also realize most homes do not have a mechanism to boil water yet. 
- All Town wells are operating except two. Staff are working to restore these wells as quickly as possible. 

Thank you to all those who are assisting in this devastating situation! Thank you to the community for taking care of each other and sharing resources. Thank you to all who are praying for our safety and the recovery for our area!