More than two inches of rain fell overnight through seven this morning in both Salem and Centralia sending many low lying roads underwater. The rain will eventually change over to sleet and snow. As a result, both a flash flood watch and a winter weather advisory have been issued.
A flash flood watch remains in event until noon as excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Low-water crossings may be flooded.
Salem Police say Kell Street east of South College is flooded and barricaded shut. High water is also reported in Crooked Creek flooding low water areas on South College Street, South Hotze, South Hoots Chapel and Westline Road. The Patoka Township Road Commissioner is reporting all roads in the North Fork and Flat Creek bottoms are flooded.
The Centralia Water Plant has opened one gate of Raccoon Lake five feet to get rid of excess water flooding Brick Hill Road and potentially other roads below the lake.
Clinton County Sheriff’s Department is reporting flooding on the normal low lying roads and several vehicles becoming stuck in high water. However, drivers have gotten out without issue.
Through seven Thursday morning, the Salem Water Plant has recorded 2.2 inches of rain. The Salem Water Plant reports the Salem Reservoir is now about 17 inches over the spillway. A watch goes into effect for downstream Town Creek at 18 inches. However, it appears the rise in water level may have peaked. The Centralia Water Plant has recorded 2.09 inches of rain.
The Alma Weather Station reported 2.29 inches of rain through 7 am. The rain will eventually change over to mixed precipitation by mid-afternoon.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from noon to nine on Thursday. In the Marion County area, a snow/sleet accumulation of up to a half inch are possible. The storm could also result in some ice accumulation, but none is expected currently in the local area.
The weather service says to plan on slippery road conditions that could impact the Thursday evening commute.
