• Lake levels are expected to rise sharply as heavy rainfall from Helene adds to the many centimeters of rain the region has already received this week

• Anyone who lives near lakes, rivers and flood-prone areas should exercise caution, inform themselves and remain vigilant

CHARLOTTE, NC, September 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Helene’s forecast rainfall in the Carolinas has increased significantly, raising concerns about possible flooding, particularly along the Catawba-Wateree River Basin.

“The Western Carolinas region experienced heavy rains this week that were unrelated to Helene,” he said Jason HollifieldDuke Energy’s storm director in the Carolinas. “Meteorologists expect that Helene will bring more rainfall than previously forecast, leading to an increased risk of flooding.”

Duke Energy oversees the chain of 11 lakes and 12 hydroelectric dams that make up the Catawba-Wateree River Basin. It regulates the water levels of the lakes by channeling water through its generating units and operating spillway gates where possible. Water management in one lake often impacts others.

In anticipation of Helene’s arrival, the company began aggressive water pumping through the Catawba-Wateree River Basin earlier this week. Even with these preparations, lake levels are expected to rise sharply and excess water may not be able to be stored due to expected rain and increased inflows from upstream. This could lead to historic flooding in several areas.

Although rainfall amounts can be unpredictable, Duke Energy encourages communities along the Catawba-Wateree River Basin to prepare for flooding and closely monitor local lake levels.

“We urge those who live on lakes, rivers and flood-prone areas to exercise caution, stay informed and be aware of changing weather and river conditions,” Hollifield said. “Residents should follow state and county emergency management guidance and monitor emergency notifications sent to their cell phones.”

Duke Energy is actively working with local emergency management officials to ensure they are aware of any changes in water levels. Local authorities will notify residents if evacuations or power shutdowns are necessary.

For real-time lake level information, visit duke-energy.com/lakes or call 800.829.LAKE (5253). Updates are also available via the Duke Energy Lake View mobile app, available at App Store and Google Play.

Across the Catawba-Wateree River Basin
The Catawba River begins in the west North Carolina vicinity Morganton and flows in east and south South Carolinawhere it joins Big Wateree Creek to form the Wateree River.

The story continues

The Catawba-Wateree River Basin includes 12 hydroelectric dams and 11 reservoirs in nine counties North Carolina and five counties in South Carolinaincluding the James, Rhodhiss, hickoryLookout Shoals, Norman, Mountain Island, Wylie, Fishing Creek, Great waterfalls, Rocky Creek and Wateree Lakes.

The Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project spans 225 river miles and includes nearly 1,800 miles of shoreline with nearly 80,000 acres of water and 255 billion gallons of usable water storage.

Including the Catawba-Wateree River Basin, Duke Energy operates 26 hydroelectric power plants and two pumped storage facilities and manages 27 lakes along eight river basins in the Carolinas.

Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, NCis one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio And Kentuckyand together have an energy capacity of 54,800 megawatts. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio And Kentucky.

Duke Energy is leading an ambitious transition to clean energy, emphasizing reliability, affordability and accessibility as the company works toward achieving net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050 . The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner power generation, including expanded energy storage, renewable energy, natural gas and nuclear power.

For more information, visit duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations driving our energy transition.

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SOURCE Duke Energy