Residents in North Carolina, particularly around Lake Lure and Buncombe County, are facing an urgent situation as officials warn of an imminent failure of the Lake Lure Dam due to heavy flooding from Hurricane Helene. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for residents living downstream and in vulnerable areas, with authorities urging everyone to seek higher ground immediately. Emergency shelters have been set up in places like Harrah's Cherokee in downtown Asheville to accommodate evacuees. The National Weather Service has issued flash flood emergencies, and local officials stress that the failure of the dam could lead to catastrophic flooding in the region. With water levels rising dangerously and evacuation orders affecting multiple counties, the situation remains critical as community members brace for worsening conditions.