‘Imminent’ Levee Failure Prompts Flash Flood Warning In De Witt County

A levee failure at a reservoir northeast of Clinton in De Witt County has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Flash Flood Warning until 11:15 PM Monday night.

The De Witt County Emergency Management Agency reported Monday afternoon that the levee was in danger of failing, and the breach would likely flood State Highways 10 and 54, isolating parts of the city of Clinton.

The Weather Service corrected its earlier description of the reservoir's location, saying it was northeast of town, not northwest. The reservoir is located north of North Street, near Illinois Route 54, as it leaves Clinton.

The Weather Service was urging people near the Clinton Reservoir to move to higher ground immediately, avoiding flooded areas.

Besides Clinton, areas impacted by the Flash Flood Warning included Farmer City, Wapella, Waynesville, Weldon, Kenney, De Witt, Lane, Midland City, Rowell, Hallsville, the Clinton Lake Dam, Weldon Springs State Park, and I-74 between mile markers 156 and 160.

In addition, the National Weather Service reported flooding on Illinois State Highway 10 near Clinton and Hallsville, and widespread flooding across De Witt County.