Hundreds Evacuated
Illinois Dam Fails After Heavy Rains and Tornadoes Sweep Across State
Water overtopped a dam near Nashville, Illinois, sending first responders to the flooded area
NASHVILLE, Ill. — A dam failure in southern Illinois has prompted the evacuation of hundreds of residents after severe storms, including heavy rains and tornadoes, swept across the state. The dam, located near the town of Nashville, about 55 miles southeast of St. Louis, was overtopped by floodwaters early Tuesday morning, causing significant concerns for the local community.
Evacuations and Immediate Response
The Washington County Emergency Management Agency ordered the evacuation of approximately 300 residents living near the Nashville City Reservoir. Emergency responders swiftly moved into the area to ensure the safety of those affected. Alex Haglund, a spokesperson for the agency, confirmed that there were no immediate reports of injuries but highlighted the urgency of the situation.
"Secondary Dam Failure, area has been overtopped with flood waters, please evacuate if you are in the below shaded area!" read an urgent post from the Washington County Emergency Management Agency on social media.
Authorities set up a shelter at Trinity Lutheran Church for displaced residents, and the American Red Cross was activated to provide assistance. The Illinois Department of Transportation also closed an 11-mile stretch of Interstate 64 in the Nashville area due to flooding, further complicating the situation for evacuees.
Weather Conditions and Warnings
The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that 5 to 7 inches of rain fell over an eight-hour period, with additional heavy rainfall expected. The storms that led to the dam's failure were part of a larger weather system that caused widespread damage across the Midwest. The NWS issued warnings for potential life-threatening flash flooding in the region.
Meteorologist Zachary Yack from the NWS office in Romeoville, Illinois, described the severity of the storms: "We did have an area of rotation, and it kind of developed right near our office here in Romeoville. ... We went and took cover. We have a storm shelter here."
Statewide Impact
The severe weather event was not confined to southern Illinois. The storms, which included multiple tornadoes, caused significant disruptions in northern Illinois and the Chicago area. Wind speeds reached up to 75 mph, resulting in widespread power outages and infrastructure damage. By Tuesday morning, approximately 233,000 customers in Illinois were without power, a significant decrease from the peak number of outages reported earlier.
In Cedar Lake, Indiana, a 44-year-old woman tragically lost her life after a tree fell onto her home. The Lake County Coroner's office confirmed the fatality, underscoring the deadly nature of the storms.
In the Chicago area, the storms forced the National Weather Service office to temporarily pass its coverage duties to a northern Michigan post. The agency reported extensive damage, including downed trees and power lines, blocked roads, and disrupted transportation services. Chicago's O'Hare International Airport experienced 81 flight cancellations, while Midway International Airport reported eight cancellations.
Community Response and Ongoing Efforts
Local authorities and emergency management agencies are working tirelessly to manage the aftermath of the dam failure and the broader storm impacts. In Joliet, Illinois, numerous roads were blocked by fallen trees, and the Chicago Fire Department reported only one serious injury within the city—a person injured by a fallen tree on a car.
The NWS has deployed six survey teams across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana to assess the damage and identify potential tornado tracks. "So far, we have 29 different paths of potential damage that we will be investigating today and in the coming days," the NWS posted on social media, indicating the extensive scope of the storm's impact.
As residents in Nashville and other affected areas begin the arduous process of recovery, the community remains resilient. Carol Gillette, a resident of Oswego, Illinois, recounted the terrifying experience of the storm: "I heard a crash that sounded like a bomb as trees smashed cars and houses. I haven’t called the insurance yet. I don’t know where to start. This is the first time I’ve ever been through this. I’m just happy we are all alive."
The situation in Illinois continues to develop as authorities monitor weather conditions and coordinate relief efforts. The focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of residents as they navigate the challenges posed by this natural disaster.