Dock ramp in center of photo tilts up because of high water. Picture taken on Belle Isle Drive

Nov. 13. Updated 1 pm. Tropical Storm Eta dumped as much as 9 inches of rain on the region, pushing lake levels rapidly higher. Lake Norman was at 100 feet/full pond this morning, with water spilling at Cowans Ford Dam. Mountain Island Lake was at 103 feet this morning.

Heavy rain, strong winds and storm surge resulted in six deaths regionally, as well as downed trees and power lines, broken poles and weather-related power outages. There was no significant damage in Cornelius.

Duke Energy says more than 2,800 repair workers will be involved in restoration efforts. Roughly 110,000 outages have been restored. Bailey Road was closed due to flooding yesterday.

UPDATE: Lake Norman is receding slowly: The lake level was reported at 100 feet at 8:30 am. At 1:30 it was reported at 99.9 feet. Click here for current lake levels.

“This storm has already claimed several lives, and everyone should exercise caution by avoiding flooded roads and areas along swollen creeks and rivers,” said Gov. Roy Cooper.

Three individuals were killed at a flooded campground in Hiddenite. A state search and rescue task force arrived last night in Alexander County to assist in the search for two people who went missing from the same campground. One death has been reported in Wake County, where a child drowned in a creek. The State Highway Patrol reports several additional fatalities from weather-related collisions or accidents in Iredell, Alexander, Rockingham and Person counties.

The photo of a dock on Lake Norman was taken on Belle Isle Drive at 9 am today.