US: Possible dam collapse near Lynchburg (Virginia)

Event

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning at 21:46 (local time) on Thursday, August 2, to extend until 03:15 on Friday, August 3, for all areas downstream from the College Lake Dam near Lynchburg (Virginia). Officials warned of a possible imminent dam failure. Such a failure would inundate the community in waters over 5.2 m (17 feet) in less than seven minutes. Areas affected include the James River, Blackwater Creek, Williams Run, and Ivy Creek. Local authorities are evacuating residents in the Blackwater Creek Trail area.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas should obey all orders by emergency personnel, including evacuation orders and road closure notices. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.