Lake Lure residents say Chimney Rock has flattened

Search and rescue workers combed the small town of Chimney Rock east of Asheville early Monday morning after it was almost completely destroyed by flooding from Tropical Storm Helene.

Residents of the neighboring resort of Lake Lure say Chimney Rock is largely flattened.

“Everything along the river is gone,” said Tracey Stevens, who worked at the Chimney Rock Brewery, which is now gone. “What was once a city is now a river. It’s beyond anything I can imagine.”

All roads into the city were blocked as workers cleared debris from former homes and businesses.

What’s happening in western North Carolina? Here is the latest information from individual cities in the areas affected by Helene

Officials have no word yet on possible fatalities, but some Lake Lure residents said they are still waiting to hear from friends in town.

“We’re waiting and hoping,” said resident Cait Wright.

Drone footage showed the historic mountain town was largely destroyed by the flood, with buildings washed away.

Most of the debris flowed into Lake Lure, leaving the water murky and brown, surrounded by damaged homes, downed trees and power lines.

Resident Jim Larson, who moved here in 2019, said he watched the storm destroy close friends’ businesses.

Lake Lure’s pier, police station and town hall were destroyed. A boat was left on top of the lifeguard stand.

The water stank of sewage and propane, he said.

“It used to be the most beautiful and pristine water, and now no one will be able to swim in it for years,” he said.

Some people waited to return to their neighborhoods to check on their animals, but many areas remained blocked off.

Lake Lure resident Cathy Maddox was desperately waiting to get home to check on her two cats and two dogs.

She and her husband left to check on the horse and get supplies, but when they returned, authorities had blocked off the area for fear of a broken bridge, she added.

“Our animals spent 27 hours without us,” she said.

While waiting, Maddox was relieved to learn that she could go to her home with an emergency worker to check on her animals.