Residents in the Druid Hills area were being advised to evacuate Wednesday due to a dam breach in an upper lake, the city of Meridian announced in a news release.

 

According to Public Safety Director Doug Stephens, the dam breach has caused overflows in the second and third lakes downstream. Stephens said that if either of the two dams fails, the following areas will most likely be flooded:

 

• Oak Drive

 

• Spruce Street

 

• Walnut Street

 

• Cherry Street

 

• Elm Drive

 

• Edgewood Drive

 

• Areas at the intersection of North Hills Street and 26th Street

 

As of 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, the third lake was at full capacity and continuing to receive water from the upper two lakes, Stephens said, and overnight rainfall was expected to add even more water to the area.

 

“At this point, we recommend evacuation for those residents who live directly downstream of the third lake,” he said.

 

Emergency response officials are continuing to monitor the situation and will provide further updates when needed, the city said.