Lake Lure Storm Recovery Updates - 10/4/24

Lake Lure Storm Recovery updates 10/4/24

Storm Recovery Update 10/4/24

For Immediate Release

National, State, and local agencies are working together to oversee the search, rescue, and recovery operation. Tremendous progress has been made through these efforts as well as the contributions of countless volunteers. The Town of Lake Lure greatly appreciates the amazing support that has been provided to our area. Please click on the following link for a synopsis of the current situation and updates as of 10/4/24.

1) RESCUES: 

  • National Guard, US Coast Guard, North Carolina Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team (NCHART), SC HART, the Army Corps of Engineers, NC Forestry Service, and FEMA Representatives are working with the Lake Lure Fire Department/Emergency Management and Local Fire Departments to execute the search and rescue mission. 
  • Firefighters have gone door-to-door making rescues in the most affected areas here.
  • Many rescues are by foot and via helicopter where vehicles cannot go. 
  • Both air and auto traffic in the Lake Lure Town Center areas must be limited to official agency personnel at this time so they may perform these search and rescue missions safely.

2) MISSING PERSONS:

  • Over 800 individuals have been confirmed safe thanks to the diligent efforts of the Sheriff’s Office and the FBI team working to verify all missing persons.
  • There are 71 active welfare checks in progress.
  • To report a missing person, please email EOC@rutherfordcountync.gov. 
  • Citizens who have not been able to be in touch with their loved ones may sign in at a citizen check-in at the Resource Center or Churches serving meals.
  • Should you need assistance connecting with family, you may email EOC@RutherfordNC.gov  

Please continue to pray for the families who have been most impacted by this destructive storm. 

3) POWER: 

  • Duke Energy and REMC have made significant progress restoring power throughout the Hickory Nut Gorge area.
  • We are pleased to report that power is restored in several areas. 
  • Crews have been working through the night to continue their work. 
  • Please anticipate traffic delays in the coming days.

We appreciate everyone's support and caution driving through areas where crews are working. 

4) PLEASE STAY OFF THE LAKE: 

  • Town Officials have mandated that NO ONE GET ON THE LAKE AT THIS TIME except workers. 
  • The Lake is currently unsafe due to the vast amount of debris, propane, and gas. 
  • A boom has been placed to prevent large debris from going further downstream. 
  • A second boom is being ordered as a back-up. 
  • The major task of removing debris from the lake is underway.
  • This will be a major task but we will get it done!

5) TOWN CENTER ACCESS AND BEYOND: 

  • Currently, travel throughout the area is challenging due to downed trees and power lines.
  • Please use extreme caution and expect delays. 
  • Routes in and out of the Lake Lure area are subject to change as roads are being cleared and power lines are being repaired. 
  • Through traffic is limited to homeowners in the Town Center area near the Lake Lure Beach and Arcade Center. 
  • Traffic is not allowed beyond this area as it is currently unsafe. 
  • Traffic to Boys Camp Road is currently restricted as the temporary Boys Camp Road bridge is being built.
  • Traffic to Chimney Rock Village is currently limited to Fire Department personnel and other essential workers. Officials are working hard to allow others in as soon as possible. Please stay tuned here for updates.
  • Power and clean up crews are working throughout these areas so please drive slowly and cautiously. 

6) INGRESS/EGRESS: The following are currently accessible routes. 

  • 64/74 to Rutherfordton from Lake Lure. 
  • Bill’s Creek Road is accessible to Cove Road - through to Sugar Hill Road - which leads to I-40.
  • You may also access Rutherfordton from Bill's Creek Road - to Freeman Town Road - to Cove Road - and on to 64/74 to Rutherfordton.
  • Highway 9 is open though to McQuinn’s Store. From Highway 9 in Lake Lure - take Big Level Road - to Highway 108 - to Highway 74 - and then to I-26.

7) LOCALS ONLY PLEASE: Town Officials have asked that no one come to Town unless you live here. 

  • The NC Highway Patrol, Rutherford County Sheriff's Office are overseeing checkpoints requiring verification to minimize traffic going to Town Center.
  • If locals are able to leave Town, it is advisable due to the power outages and challenging ingress/egress.
  • Please do not come to Town unless you absolutely need to be here as this is an ongoing rescue situation and the roads are not safe. Your absence will allow first responders and work crews to expedite our recovery. 

8) LAKE LURE RESOURCE CENTER: 

  • The Christian Aid Ministry Rapid Response Team, in coordination with the Town of Lake Lure has set up a LAKE LURE RESOURCE CENTER with FOOD, SHOWERS, RESTROOMS, MOBILE HEALTH  VAN, A TOOL TRAILER, A CHARGING STATION, and WIFI at Ingles on Highway 9 in Lake Lure. T
  • The meals are served each day 11:30-1:30 and 4:30-6:30
  • There is a shower trailer, restrooms, and a hand washing station.
  • Blue Ridge Health has a Mobile Health Van each day this week.
  • Water and supplies are also available here.
  • A public Starlink WiFi is available and there is no password.
  • A charging station is available but please bring your charging cords. 
  • There are also two tool trailers and workers to assist with repairs, street clearing, etc.
  • Local churches are also supporting this effort and will be available to offer spiritual support, as needed. Thank you to the Fairfield Mountains Chapel and Chimney Rock Baptist Church for your support! 

*** ADDITIONALLY ***

  • The Lake Lure Baptist Church has A SHOWER TRAILER, RESTROOMS and MEALS.  
  • These services are available daily from 12-5PM. 

THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO ARE SUPPORTING THIS EFFORT FOR THE RESIDENTS OF HICKORY NUT GORGE!

9) CELL/INTERNET SERVICE:

  • The town has been working to install temporary cell and internet service in the Town Center area.
  • Access has improved in some areas. 
  • Wi-Fi access is available in the Lake Lure Resource Center in the Ingles parking lot on Highway 9. 
  • A charging station is located at the Lake Lure Resource Center.

10) DONATION STATION:

  • A Donation Station has been established at the Parks, Recreation, and Lake Office at 658 Memorial Highway (64/74), next to the Lake Lure Fire Department.
  • The station will be opened from 10AM - 3:00 PM Monday - Friday
  • Donation Substations include Chimney Rock Fire Department, Chimney Rock Baptist Church, Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach (Monday- Thursday and Friday), Ingles, and Lake Lure Baptist Church. 
  • These areas are accessible and will help us decongest the Lake Lure Fire Department to allow their important work.
  • Useful donations include: water, non-perishable food items, batteries, flashlights, paper products, toiletries, clean wipes, baby products - diapers, formula, soy baby formula, baby powder, baggies, safety glasses, earplugs, inflatable life vests, metal rakes
  • If you are in need of these items, they will be distributed from this location as long as supplies last.
  • Financial donations may be made and would be tremendously appreciated! Checks should be payable to the Town of Lake Lure (for Storm Recovery). The address for mailing checks is PO Box 255, Lake Lure, NC 28746.

10) WATER/SEWER SYSTEM:

  • A BOIL ADVISORY remains in place for Town and well water.
  • A NO FLUSH order is in place for those on the Town system.
  • The Washburn reservoir has been restored and is being filled.
  • Water has been restored in the Town Center area. 
  • Crews have been working hard and are close to restoring water to the Firefly Cove community.
  • The water was tested today and updates will be provided here as soon as the results are received.
  • Emergency repairs are being made to the lift station. 
  • Updates will be provided as soon as additional information becomes available.

11) DAM/LAKE LEVELS: The Lake Lure Dam remains stable.

  • The following is a quote from the Town's Dam Engineers with Schnabel Engineering following their on-site assessment on Sunday, 9/29/24.
  • "The dam generally performed as intended and is stable. Most of the arches overtopped, which they were designed to do during extreme floods, and the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) was subsequently activated out of an abundance of caution. The abutments did not overtop, and the concrete structure was not compromised. Some damage to the abutments and downstream area occurred, and plans are underway to repair these areas. The lake is being operated at a lower level until the repairs can be made, but there are no ongoing concerns associated with dam failure."
  • The Lake Level is approximately 985.5. Updates will be provided when further decisions are made regarding any needs to lower the lake further.

12) VOLUNTEERS: The Town greatly appreciates all volunteers!  Town Officials are working to develop a plan to coordinate volunteers moving forward.  Please stay tuned for opportunities as we shift from the search and recovery phase of this disaster to the recovery phase.  

13) RESOURCES: Individual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. EST.

Tips for FEMA Application:  

  •  Emergency Needs: When asked if you have emergency needs (e.g., food, shelter, gas, medical equipment), answer "YES" if you were affected. This can provide $750 in Critical Needs Assistance.  
  • Home Accessibility: Answer "NO" if debris, flooding, loss of power, or damage prevented you from staying in your home.   
  • Utility Outages: If your utilities were out for any time, answer "YES" to trigger additional assistance.   
  • Willingness to Relocate: Answer "YES" if you cannot live in your home and are willing to stay in temporary housing.   
  • Reimbursement for Generators & Chainsaws: FEMA will reimburse up to $629 for generators and $219 for chainsaws. Save and submit your receipts.
  • Additional Resources:    
    • Insurance Claims: If your home has sustained damage, contact your insurer immediately to start the claims process.    
    • Mortgage Relief Options: If you are struggling to make mortgage payments, you may qualify for forbearance or payment deferrals. Contact your mortgage servicer for more information.    
    • Document Everything: Be sure to keep records of all damages and communication with your insurer and mortgage provider. 
  • Contact: DES.nc.gov for Disaster unemployment benefits. Need Help? If you need assistance with anything or have any questions about the status of your listing, tree removal, other needs please don’t hesitate to reach out. Many of our team members are on the ground helping, while others are available to support you remotely. We are committed to helping you navigate these challenges and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
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