Torrential Rains Spark Flash Flooding, Accidents
McDonald County’s torrential rainfall last week resulted in flash flooding and accidents.
The U.S. Weather Service reported that 2.95 inches of rain fell in the Joplin area, from Thursday through Saturday afternoon around 2 p.m. Officials reported 3.65 inches for the Fayetteville, Ark., area, 3.11 inches for the Springfield area and 4.13 inches at Branson.
On Friday, McDonald, Newton and Barry counties were under a flash-flood warning. McDonald County High School officials released students early on Friday, due to the possibility of flooding. Students were let out at 2:15 p.m.
McDonald County Emergency Management Agency Director Gregg Sweeten reported on Friday afternoon that water on Big Sugar Road, about 3.8 miles east of Pineville, was about 18 inches deep over the entire road.
On Saturday, he stressed that no highways were closed due to the flooding. He confirmed that again on Monday, adding there were reports of water on E Highway near Powell, but no closures.
No major damage was reported, he said.
Over the weekend, Elk River was expected to crest a little over 17 feet on Saturday morning, he said, and Big Sugar had already crested.
White Rock Fire Department officials reported late Friday afternoon that the low-water crossing at White Bluff Road and Skaggs Hollow Road was impassable due to high water and asked motorists to not attempt to cross. The water level, at its most shallow, was about two feet and moving swiftly.
On Facebook, McDonald County residents shared photos and gave various reports of flash-flooding sites.
White Rock Fire Department officials also posted photos, asking drivers to slow down. Officials reported working three accidents in a 10-hour time frame, due to the rain. Regular speeds — with all the rain — were not safe.
The drivers of the vehicles were fine, officials report, but the accident could have been much worse.
Sweeten reported that Pineville did not experience any accidents Friday or Saturday, due to the rain.
Weather reports from National Weather Service indicate another bout of rain coming in for this weekend.