Carter Lake dam evacuation orders could continue for several days, Polk County OEM says

POLK COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- The director of the Polk County Office of Emergency Management is telling evacuated residents living south of the Carter Lake dam in Camden to prepare to stay away from their properties for at least another three days.

Polk County OEM Director Courtney Comstock said residents were evacuated Saturday night over concerns of potential dam failure after an eight-inch hole was reported in an embankment surrounding Carter Lake.

Comstock said members of the Corrigan Volunteer Fire Department and the Polk County Sheriff's Office went door-to-door to notify residents of the voluntary evacuation orders.

Impacted areas include Henry Darden Road, Marie Road, Community Drive, Bo Peep, Herb Collins Road, Girard, Rafford Road, and Cleophas Lane. Comstock said there were 20-30 households in the impacted area.

Comstock said the dam is privately owned and said that her office and Polk County Pct. 3 have met with the property owners.

Comstock said they are using pumps to push water out into the spillway in an effort to lower the lake's water level below the hole. She estimates the process will take up to 48 hours. Once complete, Comstock said the property owners will need to hire an engineer to assess the damage and develop a repair plan.

The National Weather Service stated that a flash flood watch remains in effect.

Officials said that people needing shelter can go to the Dunbar Gym, located at 1103 Dunbar Avenue in Livingston. An American Red Cross official said those seeking refuge will be provided with food, water, and a place to sleep.