Alexander County has declared a State of Emergency in preparation for the effects of Hurricane Helene. The storm is expected to bring several inches of rain, significant flash flooding, and very high winds to Alexander County and western North Carolina. Duke Energy is monitoring lake levels and will release water from Lake Hickory at the Oxford Dam.  There were false reports that the Oxford Dam Bridge was being closed this afternoon, but no plans are in place at this time. This will be the decision of Duke Energy and NCDOT, and is not expected until late tonight or early Friday morning (only if necessary). Citizens are urged to sign up for the county’s mass notification system, Hyper-Reach, at https://bit.ly/hyper-reach-alexander.  Residents are encouraged to prepare for this storm which may cause flooding, power outages, road closures, downed trees, and downed power lines. Stay informed through the county website (https://alexandercountync.gov/news), social media channels, and local news. Further instructions on emergency shelter locations and evacuation procedures will be shared as needed.