Thunderstorms Spread Flooding Across Region

http://memphisdemocrat.com/2013/news/130425_flood.shtml

After a season lacking moisture, local creeks and streams were replenished and then some, as heavy rains on April 17th and 18th led to wide spread flash flooding across northeast Missouri.

The National Weather Service reported rain totals between four to six inches in Scotland County during the two days. That led to extensive flooding in the region. Flood waters breached the banks of the North Fabius River making for some tense moments for property owners along the canal. Flood waters threatened the Fuller Farms shop and the Hometown Animal Health store, but ultimately receded.

The waters made it to the parking area of Village Market on the west side of the river and spilled over into the neighboring farm ground submerging the region around the Highway 136 and 15 junctions. The waters never reached the roadways themselves.

"I can only remember one other time it flooded that bad down there," said Scotland County Sheriff Wayne Winn. "One time in the 70s I remember watching a couple guys in a boat bow fishing down around the fairgrounds after the canal got out like that."

While the waters did not stop traffic on the west side of town, that was not the case across Scotland County.

Sheriff Winn reported numerous road closures due to high waters. Route MM, or Ridge Road was closed due to flooding. Route C, T, H, A and W all were closed as well due to flooding near bridges.

Emergency service personnel placed road signs and barriers at the scenes to warn motorists of the closures.

The Missouri Department of Transportation reported all roadways were back open to traffic by Friday.

"Since the rapidly moving water rises and falls quickly during flash flooding, MoDOT reminds motorists it is dangerous to drive into water-covered roads," said Tana Akright, MoDOT Customer Relations Specialist. "If you're driving or walking and encounter flood water, turn around. Don't drown. It only takes six inches of water to knock over an adult and cause loss of control of a vehicle. A foot of water will float many vehicles and only two feet of rushing water will carry them away, including pickups and SUVs. The depth of flood water is not always obvious. It can be especially hard to judge at night. The best option is to play it safe and turn around."