No fatalities have been reported Sunday as the result of flash flooding in Ozark County Saturday night. The area was one of the hardest hit by heavy rainfall which flooded local homes and businesses and stranded some families.Emergency Management Director for Ozark County Brad Meints says eight to twelve water rescues took place and all were successful.
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Meints says Sunday afternoon they are categorizing which bridges and roads are passable in the county.
Reports indicate all in need of rescue have been brought to safety however, there are some people unable to travel from their homes.
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According to Meints some of the structures damaged include the Gainesville Fire Department, which was completely filled with water. They were able to get some equipment out, but other pieces of equipment were destroyed. Several bridges and low-water crossings were either damaged or a total loss.
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Some of the roads, bridges and low-water crosses aren’t accessible enough to assess the damage.
From Arkansas Highway 201 heading North, at the Missouri border, 201 turns into Highway J. At Howard’s Ridge, near the southern portion of Junction T, the road is too damaged to cross.
In Bakersfield Highway 142 was closed, but reopened. Highway 101 is open.
Because the roads are in rural areas crews will not be able to work on them at night. Meints says County Commissioners have crews out and they are discussing getting private contractors to help with repairs.
He asks the citizens of Ozark County to please be patient as they work to address each issue.
Discussion is likely to happen Monday to apply for FEMA funding as Governor Eric Greitens has declared a state of emergency.
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