Authorities in western North Carolina have ordered evacuations in an area south of the Lake Tahoma Dam, which they say is in “imminent danger” of failing after a landslide “compromised” its structural “integrity.” The National Weather Service tweeted an urgent message:
The National Weather Service declared a “flash flood emergency”:
Local officials said a “class 1 emergency” would be in effect until state inspectors could evaluate the dam in daylight hours.
CBS Greensboro, N.C.affiliate WFMY-TV reports a mudslide in the area forced the shutdown of a portion of I-40. WFMY said, “According to WCNC, the mudslide happened Tuesday near Mile Marker 67, trapping people and cars near the area. This is an extremely serious situation, with high water all over the county.”
CBS Spartanburg, S.C. affiliate WSPA-TV reports the landslide was at the top of Old Fort mountain.
WFMY says western North Carolina communities were on high alert due to heavy rains and flash flooding from subtropical storm Alberto.
Shelters were set up at two churches and a YMCA.
Lake Tahoma is a private lake in the mountains, in McDowell County.
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