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North Carolina official reveals shocking damage to tourist town: ‘Everything was washed into the lake’
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North Carolina official reveals shocking damage to tourist town: ‘Everything was washed into the lake’

The mountainous village where “The Last of the Mohicans” and “Dirty Dancing” were filmed is no more after the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene, a local official told Fox News Digital.

The small town of Chimney Rock, North Carolina is located at the base of Chimney Rock State Park and is home to the picturesque Lake Lure. Ed Broyhill, a member of the North Carolina GOP national committee and owner of a lake home, said the community has been devastated by storm damage.

‘The saddest thing in the world is that many people have made a living catering for tourism…. They have everything from hotels and motels and restaurants and nice shops and souvenir shops and clothing stores, and it’s all been washed away. Every bit of it, everything, was washed into the lake,” he said.

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View of Lake Lure from Broyhill house

Ed Broyhill told Fox News Digital that the village of Chimney Rock is now in Lake Lure following the effects of Hurricane Helene. (James Broyhill)

Roads have been washed away, power has been cut off for many and Broyhill believes it will take “at least a year” to rebuild the city.

He called it the “worst weather event to ever hit western North Carolina.”

CHECK HERE FOR THE LATEST FOX NEWS REPORT ON HELENE’S HAVOC

Helene has an influence on Lake Lure

Boats, parts of businesses and homes all washed away after Helene’s heavy downpour in western North Carolina. (James Broyhill)

Broyhill recalled how National Guard helicopters evacuated people from the area on Sunday. He inspected the area and saw that entire sections of the road had disappeared. “It’s surreal,” he said.

Broyhill family home destroyed in NC

James Broyhill walks on the dock of his childhood home on Lake Lure, North Carolina. (James Broyhill)

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has urged people to avoid unnecessary travel in western North Carolina ahead of the usually busy fall season.

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“Our top priority is the safety and well-being of everyone,” Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins said in a news release. “People should still consider that roads in western North Carolina are closed and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. Priority must be given to all first responders, utility and transportation workers, and others working hard to help with what will be a disaster. long-term response and recovery efforts.”