Voluntary evacuation order near Mountain Island Lake: What you should know

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) – A voluntary evacuation order was in effect Thursday evening for some areas near Mountain Island Lake, which was expected to overflow Thursday due to continued rain.

As of 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, a voluntary evacuation order was in effect for the following areas near Mountain Island Lake:

• Riverside Drive
• Lake Drive
• Riverhaven Drive
• Parts of Hart Road

A voluntary evacuation order is essentially an evacuation recommendation for affected people. A voluntary eviction order, unlike a mandatory eviction order, is not legally enforceable.

The areas subject to voluntary evacuation are shown in the photo below provided by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Office.

Mountain Island Lake is located in Mecklenburg and Gaston counties in North Carolina. The voluntary order was issued Thursday because floodwaters are expected to “progress rapidly and rise rapidly,” the emergency center reported.

“Local emergency services officers” were “ready to assist” at a nearby church reception center, officials said.

As Hurricane Helene headed toward the Carolinas and the rest of the southeastern U.S. on Thursday, Mountain Island Lake It was expected to overflow. Duke Energy said the lake, one of the lakes it controls, will exceed its maximum level of 100 feet.

By the afternoon of Friday, Sept. 27, lake levels are likely to reach or exceed 110 feet, which would be the highest ever recorded on the lake, Duke Energy said.

“Lake residents should prepare for flooding and closely monitor lake levels,” says a message on Duke’s lake level page. “We urge people living near lakes and rivers or in flood-prone areas to use caution, follow emergency managers’ guidance, pay close attention to changing weather and river conditions and stay informed.”

Water levels at Mountain Island Lake can be monitored Hereor via the Duke Energy Lake View mobile app.

A voluntary evacuation order was also in effect in Gaston County, particularly for the Lowell and Mount Holly areas.

At least four inches of rain was expected to have fallen in the Charlotte area by Friday afternoon. Parts of the North Carolina mountains could receive up to a foot or more of rain, while areas in the foothills are likely to receive several inches of rain.

Due to Helene and its associated impacts, many counties in the Carolinas, including Mecklenburg, are under tropical storm warnings. Flood warnings and warnings have also been issued in both states. All weather warnings can be followed Here.

Related: Watch: Possible tornado spotted in Charlotte

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