STORM UPDATE: Alexander County has already received 5+ inches of rain at the weather station at the Emergency Management office in Taylorsville. To control lake levels, Duke Energy is anticipating the opening of additional floodgates at Oxford Dam, which could result in the closure of Hwy. 16 South at the bridge due to high water.
The Emergency Operations Center has been activated and will remain open for the duration of the storm and its aftermath.
An emergency shelter has been established for those families who live along the Catawba River downstream of Oxford Dam. At this time, Sheriff’s Deputies are in the process of visiting homes to serve evacuation notices on the following roads: Fred Jolly Lane, River Shoals Ridge Drive, Mountaire Drive, Carl Fox Road, Perry Fox Lane, Olive Road, Grasshopper Circle, and Stewart Rock Road. These residents are being advised to stay with family or friends during the storm, or to visit the emergency shelter at Wittenburg Volunteer Fire Department. Depending on the need, a secondary plan is in place for a larger emergency shelter.
High-water issues have been reported on Liledoun Road (near Sipe Road), Robinette Road, Hwy. 127 (near Devil’s Track Road), and Heavenly Acres Lane.
Several more inches of rain are expected tonight and tomorrow, along with very high winds. Residents are strongly advised to stay at home tonight as roadways may be hazardous.
Alexander County Government offices will operate on a two-hour delay on Friday, September 27. Rocky Face Park will be closed on Friday.