MARION, N.C. (AP) — Authorities say 2,000 people evacuated in the North Carolina mountains because of worries a dam might break can return to their homes.
McDowell County Emergency Management sent a message to the public around 10:15 a.m. Wednesday saying engineers have determined the dam at Lake Tahoma is safe.
Heavy rains from the fringes of Subtropical Storm Alberto caused widespread flooding Tuesday evening. Emergency officials order the evacuations because an engineer inspecting the dam was worried it might break before officials could get a better look in the daylight.
The dam is about 80 miles (129 kilometers) northwest of Charlotte.
Dozens of roads in western North Carolina were blocked by mudslides or flooding, including Interstate 40 which closed for several hours near Old Fort.
Forecasters warn storms could bring more flooding Wednesday, but say the heavy rains will be isolated and not widespread.
