07/16/2024
Rains overnight Monday and into Tuesday morning have been wreaking havoc on our listening area across southern Illinois.
Flood waters have overtaken parts of the roadway on Interstate 64 in Washington County.
The Illinois State Police reported I-64 is now closed between mile markers 50 and 61 with floodwater across the roadway in both directions. Listeners stuck in traffic in that area have reported, “it is barely moving, if at all” in Washington County from Richview to Okawville.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, all lanes of Interstate 64 are closed at milepost 52-53 and Route 127 south of I-64 to I-64 northbound and southbound in Washington County are closed because of flooding.
IDOT also says all lanes of Route. 15 from Route. 127 to U.S. 51 in Washington County is closed because of flooding.
A stay-at-home order has been announced for all Nashville residents as the heavy rain continues to bring flash flooding and other issues to our area.
The Nashville Reservoir Dam and Secondary Dam have failed and residents in the flood path are asked to evacuate as soon as possible.
The Washington County EMA posted a picture on Facebook of the affected areas. It starts near the Dam on Route 15 and continues past the Greenwood and St. Paul Cemetery. The affected area also includes anywhere near Kroger, the Nashville Grade school/Middle school cul de sac, anything north of Nashville High School and along Route 127 from St. Ann’s to Casey’s.
The Nashville Community Center is the main shelter at this time for those affected by the Dam failure and other flooding issues. A secondary shelter has been setup at The Trinity St. John School/Church located at 680 W. Walnut St. and the American Red Cross has been activated to assist the city of Nashville as well as it’s residents.
The National Weather Service is reporting that due to widespread showers and storms some significant changes to the forecast for the remainder of today and into Wednesday.
The Heat Advisory has been cancelled for the entire area. There is still a chance of severe storms this afternoon and evening with damaging wind the primary concern other than heavy rainfall and lightning.
The Flood Watch is now in effect for today and tonight. Ongoing showers and storms over southern Illinois have already produced flooding, so the start time of the watch was moved up. Between the afternoon storms and another round of showers and storms late this evening through the overnight hours, flooding could continue over much of the region.
Area Emergency Management Agencies are asking people to stay home for their safety, but if you must get out, avoid these roadways. Do not try to cross flooded roadways, as your vehicle might become inoperable, and then you will be stuck in hazardous potentially life-threatening conditions. While there aren’t always fast-moving currents over the roadways, do not drive through areas with deep standing water as it can cause your vehicle to stall. It’s not worth ruining your engine by driving through it. Turn around, don’t drown.
