Duke Energy recently opened a fourth gate at the Cowans Ford Dam, which represents about one-third of the dam’s total gates, in an effort to manage rising lake levels as water continues to move south from areas affected by the storm. Lake Norman and Lake Wylie are expected to maintain their “full pond level.”

The flood gates at Cowans Ford Dam are open. Expect Mountain Island Lake to quickly rise. Use extreme caution. A shelter is open at Tuckaseegee Rec Center at 4820 Tuckaseegee Rd, Charlotte, NC. Call 911 only in emergencies.

Death toll continues to rise in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas; Helene downgraded to tropical depression. Thanks for following our coverage of Helene. Here’s a recap of today’s events: Tropical Depression Helene has killed more than 40 people during its rampage through the southeastern US,