(The Center Square) – Public access will begin in what city leaders say is a first phase, soft opening for Lake Lure during the 82nd week of recovery from Hurricane Helene.
Monday’s reopening was announced Saturday by the town, stating there is a no wake requirement across the entire lake, no public launch from town-owned ramps will be permitted, and no towing such as skis and tubing will be permitted.
Fishing and swimming are permitted.
“We are forever grateful to all those who helped us achieve this important milestone!” the town said in a release.
Officials say the lake levels are nearing full. Work remains ongoing in a number of areas.
The Lake Lure Dam, famous as a scene from the 1987 hit movie “Dirty Dancing,” was in danger of failing when Helene struck on the last weekend of September 2024.
Helene made landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida the night of Sept. 26. Its remnants sped through Georgia and soaked the higher altitudes of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Helene had tropical storm force wins stretching 420 miles, larger than the state of Georgia.
The storm made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Dekle Beach, Fla. It dissipated over the mountains of the state and Tennessee, dropping more than 30 inches in some places and over 24 consistently across more.
The damage estimates have been in the neighborhood of $60 billion. Some working recovery for civic organizations believe it’s closer to $80 billion.
Lake Lure officials posted a number of activities both permitted and prohibited. Updates are likely as the weeks pass.
