SPALDING COUNTY, Ga. — Residents near a Spalding County reservoir got a scare Monday morning after officials with the National Weather Service said that failure of the dam was “imminent” and ordered an emergency evacuation.
Spalding’s Emergency Management Agency now says the dam is not in jeopardy of failing, but flash flooding is occurring.
NewsChopper 2 was over the scene Monday afternoon, where it appeared that water from the reservoir was rushing through a breach in an earthen berm.
Officials said that the reservoir’s dam is being repaired and a temporary dam is in place. The reservoir had been drained for the repairs but filled back up after storms dumped seven inches of rain in a 48-hour period.
Emergency evacuated some residents, according to the National Weather Service. The evacuation orders were lifted around 4:15 p.m. Some roads in the area remain closed.
Spalding County officials have closed down roads near the Heads Creek Reservoir. The heavy rain is also forcing neighbors in the area to be evacuated.
We have a crew heading to the scene for updates on Channel 2 Action News at Noon.
“The contractor performing work at Heads Creek Reservoir is asking the county to close nearby roads and evacuate residents. This is to ensure the safety of our community as we have experienced 7″ of rain with more coming,” Spalding County manager Steve Ledbetter said.
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Due to weather conditions, the Heads Creek reservoir water levels are rising, and we are asking all residents to evacuate the area. This is to ensure the safety of our community, as we have already experienced 7 inches of rain, and the weather forecasts more rain to come in the following hours. Surrounding roads are being closed, and Spalding County Public Works is establishing detours for motorists to travel.Spalding County Board of Education is working to develop detours for bus transportation, avoiding the area southwest of the reservoir dam. Students will be transported home at their normal dismissal time.For assistance please call Spalding County Fire Department a (770) 228-2129
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