Residents Evacuated After Potential Dam Failure Reported at Carter Lake in Polk County, Texas
POLK COUNTY, TEXAS — Emergency officials in East Texas ordered immediate evacuations south of Carter Lake on Friday evening after a potential dam failure was reported by local residents.
Emergency Response Triggered After Rushing Water Reported
According to early information, a resident near Carter Lake in Polk County contacted local authorities after noticing rushing water leaking from the dam structure. The report was quickly relayed to county officials and dam operators, prompting a rapid safety response.
Officials from Polk County Emergency Management confirmed that evacuation orders were issued for residents living south of the dam, as engineers work to determine the source and extent of the leak.
Authorities Monitoring the Situation Closely
Emergency crews are currently on-site assessing water flow and structural conditions. While no full breach has been confirmed, the situation remains highly unstable, and residents are being urged to stay away from the area until safety inspections are complete.
County officials stated that additional resources from the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) have been requested to monitor the dam and assist with public safety efforts.
Community Urged to Stay Alert and Follow Updates
Authorities have established a temporary command post near the area and are providing updates via local media and emergency alert systems.
“This is a precautionary measure to ensure everyone’s safety,” one Polk County emergency official said. “We’re monitoring the dam’s integrity closely and will lift evacuation orders only when we can confirm the structure is stable.”
Residents are advised to avoid flooded roads and report any signs of erosion or new water flow near the dam immediately to local law enforcement.
Ongoing Precautions and Local Impact
The potential failure has raised concerns about flooding in low-lying areas south of Carter Lake. Officials have opened emergency shelters for displaced residents while crews continue inspections.
Polk County authorities are expected to release more details following an engineering assessment later tonight.
Stay tuned for verified updates on developing emergency situations and weather safety alerts at NapervilleLocal.com.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.