Over a foot of rain for Texas County
Photo by Travis Maddox, Roby Fire Dept.
Tuesday morning the Big Piney River topped Mason Bridge on Highway 32 west of Licking.
By Shari Harris, Publisher
An inundation of rain, which began early Sunday morning, led to flooding and flash flooding throughout Texas County and surrounding areas. This resulted in several road closings, business and office closings and school closures on Tuesday.
Overnight into Tuesday morning, Highway 63 north of Cabool was overtopped by the Big Piney River, as was Highway 17 at Dog’s Bluff, Route BB at Boiling Springs, and Highway 32 at Mason Bridge. The Roubidoux reached a record high near Plato and closed Highway 17. Highway 38 was closed at Beaver Creek Bridge. Route VV at the intersection of Highway 137 was closed. Montauk State Park was flooded, closing Highway 119. Mill Creek off of Route AH completely washed out. Success Road, Bell Road, and all low water crossings in the Paddy Creek area were also under water. Numerous other roads and streets were closed. Flash flooding overtopped streets and roads intermittently due to heavy rainfall, leaving debris as evidence of its passing.
A swift water rescue was performed in the Beulah area off of Highway K (Phelps County) by the City of Rolla Fire & Rescue. A family of four was trapped in a school bus.
“Our team was able to rescue all four victims,” said Fire Chief Jeff Breen. “Within three minutes of the rescue, the bus was overtaken by the rushing water and overturned.”
“All victims and rescue personnel are doing well with no injuries,” he added. “I am very thankful for our amazing team.”
Licking, Houston, Cabool, Raymondville, Success, Salem and other area schools were closed Tuesday due to the number of flooded roads.
Intercounty Electric Cooperative had about 1200 members without power Tuesday morning, with most of those being in Texas County.
George O. White State Forest Nursery reported 12.15 inches of rain fell beginning on Saturday through 8 a.m. on Tuesday, and it was still raining at that time. Some road damage had also been caused at the nursery by the high water. Other reports of rain are even higher.
Numerous businesses unlocked their doors to find pools of water awaiting them Tuesday morning, as leaks occurred in roofs or floodwater washed under doors or walls. For those who couldn’t reach their businesses yet, the water awaits their return. The full extent of damages to roads, businesses, homes, recreation areas and agriculture will not be known until flooding subsides.
