Panicked local officials initially said the Waterville Dam and the Lake Lure Dam had burst, but both were reportedly still holding as of Friday afternoon

Hundreds of roads were blocked across the region, and officials warned of more mudslides and damage to come. Gas shortages, downed power lines, spotty cell service and blocked roads made rescuing residents and assessing Hurricane Helene’s damage a nearly impossible task on Saturday morning across much of western North Carolina.