Dam safe from mudslide; mandatory evacuations lifted in western NC

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Early Wednesday morning, officials with the National Weather Service were urging people near Lake Tahoma to preserve their lives by evacuating. According to officials, a landslide in Lake Tahoma compromised the integrity of a dam near the Catawba River, and residents living below Lake Tahoma were ordered to leave after the dam was inspected by an engineer.

At 10:30 a.m., the mandatory evacuations were lifted, and officials deemed the dam safe.

According to WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner, although Alberto is weakening, the western portion of the state will be hit with constant rain for several days, creating soggy grounds and the risk for deadly mudslides.

As a result of the flooding and mudslide, the right two westbound lanes of Interstate 40 and the left eastbound lane of Interstate 40 were closed in Old Fort one mile east of Exit 66 near Asheville. The lanes are expected to reopen by Friday afternoon.

The National Weather Service also said a flash flood emergency was in place for McDowell County, including the city of Marion, which is home to around 7,800 people, and Old Fort, which has a population of 900.

At 4:15 a.m., the National Weather Service said 4 to 6 inches of rain had fallen in the area in the past 24 hours.

Authorities urged residents to seek higher ground immediately.

Rushing water is also an issue on Wednesday in Buncombe County, where a mobile home park flooded.

Officials are warning people that rescue crews may have limited access to help people in such treacherous conditions.