Nashville Dam is about to burst with residents of nearby Illinois town ordered to evacuate

Residents of an Illinois town have been told to evacuate ahead of the imminent failure of the Nashville City Reservoir Dam.

The Washington County Emergency Management Agency issued the order early on Tuesday alongside a map of the affected area.

The agency said on Facebook: 'Attention The Failure of the Nashville dam is imminent. 

'Please evacuate your home at this time. If you are in the grey box, you need evacuate now!'

Those living near the Nashville City Reservoir have been advised to evacuate and the community center in Nashville has been open for shelter.

Moreover, the Red Cross has been activated to assist. 

Washington and Clinton County, meanwhile, have a flash flood warning, per the National Weather Service.

The evacuation area includes the affected area, which included Nashville Grade School and Nashville High School.