11/13/2020 3:03:00 AM until 11/13/2020 1:00:00 PM

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a * Flood Warning for... East Central Gaston County in the piedmont of North Carolina... West Central Mecklenburg County in the piedmont of North Carolina... * Until 1000 AM EST Friday. * At 303 AM EST, Rainfall accumulations of 3-7 inches since Wednesday over the Catawba River watershed are causing significant rises along the Catawba River reservoir chain, including at Mountain Island Lake. Additional rainfall will not occur for the duration of this flood event. However, Duke Energy is moving water through the river system in order to safely manage lake levels and as a result, additional rises are forecast at Mountain Island Lake. Duke Energy is projecting Mountain Island Lake may exceed 103.0 feet before cresting later this morning. This may cause areas of significant flooding along the shoreline and especially immediately downstream of the dam along the Catawba River in the Riverside Dr community. Therefore, to adequately notify residents and other persons in the vicinity of the Catawba River, a Flood Warning has been issued. The Flood Warning will remain in effect until Mountain Island Lake crests. * This flood event is not currently expected to be as severe as the event experienced in June 2019. Nevertheless, residents should stay alert and be prepared for levels above 103.0 feet in case additional reservoir releases are necessary. * As of 250 AM, Mountain Island Lake is at 102.57 feet and rising slowly. Action/Advisory Stage: 101.50 feet Minor Flood Stage: 103.00 feet Moderate Flood Stage: 104.00 feet FORECAST: Duke Energy projects the pool could exceed 103.00 feet today. Residents are strongly encouraged to monitor lake levels and heed guidance from Char-Meck Emergency Management. IMPACTS: At 103.0 feet...Significant inundation of low-lying areas is ongoing around Mountain Island Lake and downstream of the dam along/near Riverside Dr. Some outbuilding inundation may begin. Residents should have already completed the protection of property adjacent to the lake and the Catawba River downstream and be taking action to protect their homes. Residents downstream of the dam should be prepared to evacuate and follow messaging from Char-Meck Emergency Management. At 104.0 feet...Moderate Flood Stage. Significant inundation of outbuildings is beginning around Mountain Island Lake and downstream of the dam along/near Riverside Dr. Residents downstream of the dam should be completing preparations to evacuate and heeding guidance from Char-Meck Emergency Management. HAZARD...Flooding due to significant reservoir releases. SOURCE...Emergency management, Duke Energy, and automated lake gauges. IMPACT...Life-threatening flooding Mountain Island Lake and the Catawba River downstream of Mountain Island Dam which may cause property damage and residential evacuations. * This Flood Warning is exclusively for areas along Mountain Island Lake and areas immediately downstream along the Catawba River including Riverside Dr, Lake Dr, Riverhaven Dr, Hart Rd, Beagle Club Rd, Drywall Dr, and other low-lying areas along the Catawba River between Mountain Island Lake and Lake Wylie including roadways adjacent to the river in Mecklenburg and Gaston counties. * For more information on lake levels, projections, or dam releases, people are encouraged to visit http://lakes.duke-energy.com or call 1-800-829-5253. * Residents along and below Mountain Island Lake are encouraged to stay aware of the latest updates from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management by signing up for Char-Meck alerts at: www.charmeckalerts.org. Residents are encouraged to heed guidance from local officials and Emergency Management on any potential impacts to property and any evacuation orders. Drivers are encouraged to heed any barricades and avoid all flooded areas. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Move to higher ground now. Act quickly to protect your life. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.