Emergency response agencies prepared for flood responses

[July 13, 2015]  LINCOLN - According to Logan County Emergency Management Agency Director, Dan Fulscher, at this time there are numerous flooded roads and areas in the county. Parts of Logan County and the central Illinois region have seen unprecedented rainfall this year. There are now areas that never flood, that are flooding regularly with each rain. With more heavy rain in the forecast additional flooding is expected to occur this week.

Area creeks are still rising and any additional rains upstream or over Logan County will likely break records.

There is also more field-to-field flooding on county highways and rural roads. Saturated ground and heavy run-off is causing field stubble to block culverts and is preventing normal drainage.

There are numerous road blocks already in place. Common flood-prone areas such as along Route 10 west of Lincoln and Rocky Ford areas are at peak flooding; Salt, Lake Fork, Deer and Kickapoo Creeks are all in high flood stage.

Salt Creek is the highest concern. The Lincoln Lakes is under a flood watch and Salt Creek is close to breaching the area.

Fulscher and LCEMA Deputy Director Terry Storer spent Sunday preparing for a busy week. LCEMA staff was communicating with area rescue squads, pulling additional rescue equipment from the private sector such as all-terrain vehicles, volunteers and response agencies are on full alert and standing-by.

Earlier this season, heavy rain fell over the northwest portions of the county, especially around San Jose and along Route 136. Repeat events have caused flooded roadways and homes like never before in that area.

In the opposite corner of the county to the southeast, the Beason-Chestnut Blacktop that had suffered major damage by flood waters a couple of weeks ago, was further washed out by heavy rains that came last Wednesday. Two to three inches rain with reported in areas of Logan County Wednesday night.

There have been numerous water rescues and some where people were lucky and got out of vehicles that had been washed into flooded ditches.

Boats, vehicles of all sorts and personnel are on standby as another round of storms are expected to create additional hazards through out the county.

Keep your cell phone charged and on your person when you travel. Drive with care. Flooded roadways are often difficult to see until you hit the water.

Call 9-1-1 if you need help.

[Jan Youngquist]