Wisconsin residents have been ordered to flee ahead of the “imminent” collapse of the Manawa Dam.
Authorities warned that the amount of water in the dam is unsafe and that those living along the Little Wolf River should evacuate immediately.
Residents have been told to seek higher ground as part of the dam is compromised and has suffered significant damage.
It is unclear how many residents have been forced to flee in the town, which has a population of 1,400.
“Due to the amount of water, the dam is not safe. If you are downstream, please EVACUATE. The bridge is closed,” the Manawa Police Department said in a statement on Facebook.
A flash flood emergency has been declared for Manawa in Waupaca County as thunderstorms in the area are producing heavy rainfall.
Wisconsin residents ordered to flee as Manawa Dam collapse ‘imminent’
A flash flood emergency has been declared for Manawa in Waupaca County as thunderstorms in the area are producing heavy rainfall.
Images from the dam show water flowing rapidly and threatening to overflow.
A section of the river was overflowed by flood waters at around 1.45pm and people living downstream were evacuated.
Heavy rain began in the area at around 8.30am and five inches fell in the space of a few hours, prompting a flash flood warning.
Several streets in the area have been flooded and several cars are stranded on the road.
The city has warned residents to expect more flooding on streets and yards “everywhere.”
Meteorologist Scott Cultice said: ‘It was raining non-stop in and around the Manawa area.
‘There were water rescues. Most of the streets in the centre were flooded.
“We can’t stop the rain. It doesn’t stop, it stagnates.”
All roads into Manawa have been blocked and people have been told not to drive in or around the town.
Several streets in the area have been flooded and several cars are stranded on the road.
A flash flood emergency has been declared for Manawa in Waupaca County as thunderstorms in the area are producing heavy rainfall.
“Please do not attempt to drive into or around the city,” the city said in a statement. “Vehicles are flooding on streets surrounding the city. Union Street is flooded.
‘N. Bridge Street is flooded. Beech Street has been washed away. Howard Street is flooded. Industrial Drive is flooded.’
“Because of the amount of rain we’re getting… there will be flooding in the streets and yards. It’s everywhere in the city.”
All fire departments across the country are working to respond to the incident.
An emergency shelter has been established for residents of Little Wolf Junior/Senior High School.
The weather service warned that showers and possible thunderstorms could occur through the weekend and early next week.
DailyMail.com has contacted the Manawa Police Department for comment.