NASHVILLE, Ill. - A primary dam, followed by a secondary dam, failed in Nashville, Illinois, on Tuesday morning, resulting in widespread flooding and the evacuation of residents. The Washington County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) issued an evacuation warning for the city after heavy rainfall caused the dam to breach.

The secondary dam failure occurred around 10 a.m., approximately an hour after the initial dam failure, stated the Washington County EMA. The area had experienced more than six inches of rain, leading to the overtopping of the Nashville Reservoir. The excessive rainfall began on the night of July 15 and continued through July 16.

Reports from the EMA indicated that some residents faced waist-deep flooding, with one individual requiring rescue from her home. The floodwaters also prompted the closure of several major roads throughout Washington County, hampering travel for motorists.

The Washington County EMA estimated that around 200 homes were at risk following the overtopping of the dam. However, thanks to the successful completion of the evacuation, there have been no reported deaths or significant injuries.

Authorities have advised residents to avoid traveling on the roadways unless absolutely necessary and to practice the slogan, "Turn around, don't drown." Meanwhile, the community center in Nashville is being utilized as a shelter for those in need, and the Red Cross has been activated to provide assistance to impacted individuals.

Additionally, in Jefferson County, flash flooding has also resulted in the closure of several roads, prompting authorities to issue alerts to motorists. SSM Health in Illinois has set up a shelter at 680 W. Walnut in Nashville, with their local clinic remaining closed until further notice.

Those requiring assistance are urged to contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office at 618-327-8274 Ext. 4, while emergencies should be reported to 911. Volunteers have been requested to hold off until the floodwaters recede and traffic returns to normal.

The closure of portions of I-64 due to floodwater flow over the roadway has further complicated travel in the region. The impact of the flooding is expected to be significant, as residents and authorities work together to manage the aftermath of this natural disaster.