Update on the flooding situation

by Steve Dunford 

Here in Franklin County we will still be under a flash flood warning until 12:45 p.m. this afternoon.  That is likely to be extended.  We are supposed to get an additional 1″-3″ inches of rain on top of the 10+ inches we have received already.

As of now here are the road closures that I have:

• Route 37 Between Benton and West Frankfort
• Route 37 South of West Frankfort is now OPEN
• Logan Road
• Deering Road
• Baseline Road has several washout places in addition to over the road.
• Peach Orchard Road
• There is water on Park Street Road and Yellowbanks Road but it is still open
• Country Club road has opened up
• The city streets in West Frankfort are in better shape than yesterday.  There is still flooding in the NW flood plain, but not as severe.

Any of the rural township roads that are over especially if it is a bridge, please do not attempt to cross as the bridge or the road could be washed out.

There is a slight risk for severe weather today for all of Southern Illinois for hail, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes.

The Big Muddy is experiencing moderate flooding.  The river is still supposed to crest on Tuesday below 28 feet, eight feet above flood stage.  The pool at Rend Lake is just under 409.  At 410 is when flooding begins.

Please pass along any additional information that you might have.  There will be updates throughout the day, especially on the franklincounty-news.com Facebook page.