(Lynchburg, Va.) – There was major flooding in Lynchburg Thursday and water over College Lake Dam forced the evacuation of about 120 homes downstream due to fear of a possible dam failure.

Should the dam break, it is estimated a 17 foot wall of water will move downstream in about 7 minutes, flooding many areas along Blackwater Creek.

Officials say people who were evacuated may not be able to return to their homes for at least 24 hours. Many sought shelter at E.C.Glass High School and Sandusky Middle School overnight.

Detours remain in place due to the compromised condition of the College Lake Dam and about a half-dozen streets are closed to traffic. Lynchburg officials are urging people not to drive around barricades on flooded streets or downed trees.

Rainfall amounts of 4″ to 7″ have been reported in the Lynchburg area, with most the rain falling in a two hour period.