Flooding causes closed roads, crop damage
Nearly a foot of rain fell in parts of Marion County this past week causing flooding on most county roads and in fields.
Between six and 12 inches of rain fell over a three-day period beginning Thursday, overflowing ditches and river banks.
Vehicles swept off roadways were reported with no serious injuries or deaths as a result of the flash floods.
Jim Herzet, acting superintendent of Marion County Road and Bridge department, said workers were called out at 2 a.m. Saturday by the Marion County Sheriff's office regarding the flood waters.
Barricades and warning signs were placed on all main county roads, Herzet said. Crews remained on-call during the weekend.
"Limited damage" to main roads was reported by Herzet. Numerous rock roads had been "washed out" due to the rain and high water. No other road damages were reported.
"Cautiously optimistic" was the description Ricky Roberts, county extension agent, gave the summer crops following the heavy rains and subsequent flooding.
Roberts said he took a brief tour Monday to survey the damage to county crops and was surprised at the little amount of damage he observed.
"The corn was already made," Roberts explained, "so it should be all right. Milo fields for the most part will be all right."
He further explained the amount of damage was dependent on the stage the crop was in at the time of the flood.
"We may see some damage to the soybeans," Roberts said. "Soybeans are in the flowering stage and need all the nutrients they can get."
When the soil gets saturated, the roots are deprived of oxygen, Roberts said.
Roberts said it was a good time for the heavy rains.
"The ground was covered," Roberts said, "which prevented soil from being washed away. I expected to see top soil in the ditches but didn't see that."
Roberts commented the weather has been unusual this summer.
"To receive 10 inches to a foot of rain in the third week of July is extremely rare," Roberts said.
