Polk County, TX – Officials are urging immediate evacuations tonight after the Carter Lake Dam in Camden was reported compromised, raising fears of a potential breach and flash flooding downstream.
According to the Polk County Emergency Management Office, damage to the embankment of the dam has been detected, and engineers are assessing the risk level. Authorities warn that homes located south of Carter Lake—specifically along Henry Darden Road, Marie Road, Community Drive, Bo Peep, Herb Collins Road, and Girard—are within the potential flood zone should the dam fail.
The U.S. National Weather Service Houston-Galveston has issued a Flash Flood Watch for the affected area, advising residents to move to higher ground and avoid travel through flood-prone zones. Nighttime conditions are reportedly complicating efforts to assess the extent of the damage.
Residents evacuating are encouraged to stay with friends or family when possible. For those unable to do so, Dunbar Gym at 1103 Dunbar Avenue in Livingston is open as an emergency shelter.
Officials urge all residents to remain clear of the restricted zone until further notice and to follow updates from local emergency management and the National Weather Service as the situation develops.
