MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – Local emergency officials have issued a voluntary evacuation order for parts of the Druid Hills neighborhood in Meridian following a 20-foot dam breach at the top of a three-lake system.
According to Lauderdale County Emergency Management Agency Director Odie Barrett, the top lake has emptied into the two lower lakes after the dam break. Water overflowed the second lake and surged into the third, raising concerns about downstream flooding.
Barrett said the flow has now been slowed, and crews have opened the emergency spillway and are installing a syphonto relieve pressure on the remaining two dams.
While water levels have reached their maximum and are not expected to rise further, officials are urging caution.
“At this point, we recommend evacuation for those residents who live directly downstream of the third lake,” said Meridian Public Safety Director Doug Stephens.
Stephens added that if either of the two lower dams fails, the following areas are most at risk for flooding:
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Oak Drive
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Spruce Street
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Walnut Street
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Cherry Street
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Elm Drive
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Edgewood Drive
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Areas at the intersection of North Hills Street and 26th Street
**Residents who choose to evacuate can seek shelter at the Velma Young Community Center, which is open and staffed to assist those displaced.
Emergency officials continue to monitor the situation and are urging residents to stay alert and follow updates from the City of Meridian and Lauderdale County EMA.
This is a developing story.
