Hurricane Helene

Historic wind and flooding devastated North Carolina on September 27, 2024, primarily in the western Appalachian region, causing at least 107 reported deaths and major destruction of infrastructure and residential areas across McDowell County, including Lake Tahoma. The storm brought record-breaking rainfall, causing significant flooding and landslides. The Federal Government declared a Major Disaster in North Carolina, and FEMA designated McDowell County, along with 38 other counties, for disaster assistance. Lake Tahoma is currently working with McDowell County Emergency Management in an effort to remove approximately 500,000 cubic yards of debris and material from the lake. Lake Tahoma supplies 75% of the water for the town of Marion and McDowell County.