Mandatory evacuations ordered after Lake Lure dam failure [Video]

LAKE LURE, N.C. — Excessive rain has threatened a dam at Lake Lure, according to the National Weather Service. 

At 11 a.m. Friday, Lake Lure officials told Rutherford County Emergency Management they expect water to start spilling over the Lake Lure Dam. 

Because of that threat, a mandatory evacuation was enacted for residents in low-lying, flood-prone areas below the dam such as the Cleghorn, Union, Green Hill communities as well as Harris and Cliffside.

Residents were asked to immediately evacuate to the Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church at 2525 N. Washington St. in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, or RS Central High School at 641 US-221, Rutherfordton, North Carolina. 

“Residents are urged to seek higher ground now and obey all evacuation orders from Rutherford County Emergency Management to protect your life and the lives of your family,” the emergency alert for Rutherford County …