Fears of dam failure, flash flooding prompt evacuations in southern Illinois
As much as 6 inches of rain or more triggered Flash Flood Warnings in the region on Tuesday morning, and the dam behind the Nashville City Reservoir has been overtopped with flood waters.
Illinois dam nearing failure after torrential rains
An estimated 200 homes were evacuated after heavy rains caused a dam in Nashville, Illinois, to overtop and flood some neighborhoods downstream. FOX Weather correspondent Robert Ray reports. July 16, 2024.
NASHVILLE, Ill. — Around 200 homes in Nashville, Illinois, were evacuated Tuesday after emergency officials warned of a nearby dam that was on the verge of failing. However, officials stress, the dam is holding strong.
"There was not a catastrophic failure; the failure was in the design specifications of the dam," Washington County spokesperson Alex Haglund told FOX Weather.
Recent heavy rains triggered Flash Flood Warnings in the region Tuesday morning, and floodwaters overtopped the dam at the Nashville City Reservoir.
![Flooding due to an imminent dam failure in Nashville, Illinois.]()
Image 1 of 5Flooding due to an imminent dam failure in Nashville, Illinois. (Robert Ray)
![Flooding due to an imminent dam failure in Nashville, Illinois.]()
Image 2 of 5Flooding due to an imminent dam failure in Nashville, Illinois. (Robert Ray)
![Flooding due to an imminent dam failure in Nashville, Illinois.]()
Image 3 of 5Flooding due to an imminent dam failure in Nashville, Illinois. (Robert Ray)
![Flooding due to an imminent dam failure in Nashville, Illinois.]()
Image 4 of 5Flooding due to an imminent dam failure in Nashville, Illinois. (Robert Ray)
![Flooding due to an imminent dam failure in Nashville, Illinois.]()
Image 5 of 5Flooding due to an imminent dam failure in Nashville, Illinois. (Robert Ray)
Floods poured downstream, causing residents to leave their homes, according to the Washington County Emergency Management Agency.
7 FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FLASH FLOODS
Waist-deep water has been reported in some homes, with one resident needing to be rescued from hers, the agency noted.
The map below shows the location of the dam and the affected neighborhoods.
Nashville, Illinois evacuation map
(FOX Weather)
As of early Tuesday afternoon, the evacuation had been completed. The agency estimated 200 residences were evacuated.
They noted that no significant injuries occurred due to the flooding event. However, they ask residents to remain cautious.
More than 6 inches of rain has fallen locally, the Washington County EMA said, with some radar estimates showing as much as 8-12 inches may have fallen around and east of Nashville.
Nashville, Illinois Estimated Rain
(FOX Weather)
Haglund, the flooding situation was curbed by a secondary dam that released some water from the primary dam.
Numerous roads are closed around Nashville, according to National Weather Service storm reports.
Illinois homes, roads flooded amid 'imminent' dam failure
In Nashville, Illinois, the Nashville Reservoir dam was overtopped after heavy rains Monday night.
Those closures include a stretch of Interstate 64 between the Nashville and Ashley exits, along with areas along State Routes 15 and 127, officials said. However, conditions were improving in the area.
"The evacuation in the flood area is no longer a concern," Haglund said. "I know we were concerned about the road closures, but those are also resolving as we speak."