Illinois Town Being Evacuated Because of 'Imminent' Dam Failure

More reports of damage are continuing to come in from Monday night's storm that ripped across Illinois and Wisconsin, with one town being evacuated because of the threat of flash flooding.

The National Weather Service has several Flash Flood Warnings in effect at the time this article was published, with many communities affected being along the Mississippi River.

One town in downstate Illinois is currently being evacuated for what local Emergency Management authorities are calling an "imminent" dam failure.

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According to a post on the Washington County Emergency Management Facebook page before 9 am on Tuesday (7/16), a "secondary dam failure" occurred at the Nashville Dam and there's currently flood water overtopping the dam.

The Red Cross has been activated, according to the Washington County EMA, and a shelter is being set up at 680 W. Walnut Street for anyone who needs it.

I-64 is also closed both Eastbound and Westbound from mile marker 50 to 61 where Nashville Fire has been active in water rescues, according to Southern Illinois Fire Incidents.

Several videos courtesy of Conner Baugh show flood waters racing into Nashville, Illinois neighborhoods with several cars already submerged, and local law enforcement blocking impassable roads.

The current forecast for southern Illinois and the Nashville area shows more showers and thunderstorms likely this afternoon (Tuesday) and another 30 percent chance on Wednesday (7/17).

The rest of the week will be dry and much cooler with highs expected to be in the 70s and lows in the upper 50s.

This story is continuing to develop and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF