Dam release ramps up Conroe evacuation plans

CONROE, Texas (KTRK) -- After record waters were released from the Lake Conroe dam, several neighborhoods are now at risk for flooding.

A mandatory evacuation was called for McDade Estates late Sunday night, but officials have since increased their plans.

In a new statement, the City of Conroe recommends residents in six other neighborhoods consider evacuating.

These neighborhoods include:

• River Plantation
• Woodhaven Forest
• Artesian
• Riverbrook Drive and Sherbrook Circle
• Neighborhoods off of FM 2854
• Neighborhoods downstream from McDade Estates

Conroe Fire Chief Ken Kreger told Eyewitness News if people are in the river's way, they need to plan on getting out as safely and as soon as possible.

Mayra Moreno is reporting on roads blocked due to flooding.

Flooding from the dam is rising in feet and not inches, Kreger said, and floodwaters are moving pretty fast.

For now, McDade Estates is the only mandatory evacuation in Conroe city limits.

While the dam release was expected to impact the bridge on Highway 105 at the San Jacinto River, Conroe city officials report that Highway 105 is open.

Stay with ABC13 Eyewitness News for more on this developing story.

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