MATTHEWS, N.C. — Neighbors who live near a dam near Chipwood Lane in Matthews were concerned Thursday afternoon that the dam could break from the force of the water underneath. Hours later, officials said there was no longer a threat.
“Somewhat surprised. We’ve never had that issue come up before,” said resident Timothy Belk.
Several inches of rain fell Thursday, creating flooding concerns in neighborhoods and near businesses.
The neighborhood is just off Idlewild Road in Matthews, and there’s another earthen dam that’s not too far downstream that also had an issue.
“We have some preparedness kits in the house so if we need do need to leave we’re prepared,” Belk said.
If the first dam were to break, the second one would also break. Later in the evening, the fire chief said it’s all safe now with two pumps pumping 2,000 gallons a minute.
“The engineer recommendation is to …