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The City of Mebane has issued a warning about the potential failure of the Lake Michael dam due to the impact of Tropical Storm Chantal. Heavy rains from the storm have raised concerns about the dam's stability, prompting local authorities to take precautionary measures.
According to a city announcement on Facebook, the Lake Michael Spillway Project coffer dam "could fail" under the pressure of Chantal's torrential rains. In response, the Mebane Police Department, Mebane Fire Department, and Alamance County Sheriff's Office have advised residents in potentially affected areas to evacuate as a precaution. The Mebane Arts and Community Center at 633 Corregidor Street has been designated as a temporary emergency shelter for evacuees.
Residents in the Tupelo Junction Subdivision and on Retriever Lane have also been notified, even though their homes are not in the immediate flood zone. A voluntary evacuation order is in place for areas downstream of Lake Michael, including Lake Michael Way and Broad Oak Drive. The city has assured residents that if no official from the police, fire department, or sheriff's office has visited their home, it is not at risk of flooding from a dam failure.
The severe weather has caused widespread disruptions in the region. Spectrum News reports that Chantal has led to flash flooding, downed trees, and power outages across central North Carolina. In Alamance County, flooding on the Haw River temporarily closed Interstate 85/Interstate 40, though it has since reopened.
Anyone with questions or concerns is encouraged to contact the Mebane Emergency Operations Center at (919) 304-9235. This is a developing situation, and residents are advised to stay informed through local news updates.