Heavy overnight rains have flooded low-lying roads that normally go underwater following heavy rains. The first vehicle has also driven into the floodwaters. The Salem Water Plant recorded 2.39 inches of rain between seven Wednesday morning and seven Thursday morning, with the Salem Reservoir now 11.4 inches over the spillway and rising slowly at seven am. The Centralia Water Treatment Plant recorded 2.65 inches of rain. One gate of Raccoon Lake was opened five feet at seven Thursday morning after being open three feet overnight. The lake is now 4.2 inches below the spillway.
The car drove into high waters on flooded Brick Hill Road off Green Street below Raccoon Lake. The driver was able to get out of the water safely. The Centralia Fire Protection District, Lifestar Ambulance, and Marion County Sheriff’s Department were all called to assist.
Salem Township Road Commissioner Joe Telford reports all the township roads that cross Crooked Creek are underwater, including Robin, South College Extension, Hotze, Hoots Chapel, and Westline Roads.
Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps says all roads in the Skillet Fork Bottoms are underwater.
In general, all rural roads in Marion County that normally flood during heavy rain are underwater Thursday morning.
A flood advisory is in effect until nine Thursday morning.
