Parts Of Virginia City Evacuate Over Possible Dam Failure

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Heavy rains have prompted authorities to evacuate parts of a Virginia city in case a dam fails.

Citing statements from the National Weather Service, news outlets reported Thursday evening that a failure of the College Lake Dam near Lynchburg could flood the city with 17 feet (5 meters) of water in seven minutes. The service says county officials reported the dam’s “imminent failure” at around 9:30 p.m.

The Lynchburg Department of Emergency Services said nearby areas were being evacuated Thursday night. It is unclear how many people were being evacuated. Several roads already were flooded or closed at that time, with local fire and police departments sending out boats and squads to rescue people. The NWS issued a flash flood watch for the area that lasts until early Friday.