Full Notification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 25, 2011 at 3 p.m.


(Jackson County, Illinois) Jackson County Chairman, John Evans, has issued a disaster proclamation. Any thunderstorms that develop today or tonight could produce flash flooding in a very short period of time. Most area rivers are already experiencing flooding and rivers flooding will only worsen with the additional heavy rainfall. Officials are monitoring the situation and continue to prepare for potential threats to county residents. Flooding is expected to occur in areas that have never received flooding before. It is advised to take precautions and prepare before the floods happen. If flooding occurs it is advisable to avoid contact with flood waters and follow these safety rules:

· Get to higher ground.
· Stay away from flood-prone areas, including dips, low spots, valleys, and ditches
· Avoid flooded areas or those with rapid water flow. Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream. It takes only six inches of fast flowing water to sweep you off your feet.
· Don’t allow children to play near high water, storm drains or ditches. Hidden dangers could lie beneath the water.
· Flooded roads could have significant damage hidden by floodwaters. NEVER drive through floodwaters or on flooded roads. The National Weather Service now warns anyone who comes to a flooded roadway, “Turn around… don’t drown!” If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Water only two feet deep can float away most automobiles.
· Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly when threatening conditions exist.
· Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
· Monitor NOAA Weather Radio or your local media for vital weather related information.

A posting of road closures will be issued two times a day on the Jackson County EMA website at www.JacksonCountyEMA.com or you can check your local media stations.

Please check these sites daily to receive the most updated information on road closures. As of 3:00PM, April 25, 2011 the roads listed below are closed and/or flooded:

· County Highway: Indian Ridge Rd, Jones Ridge Rd, Kinkaid Stone Rd, Big Lake Rd, Dutch Ridge Rd
· Bradley Township: No Closures
· Carbondale Township: Dogwood Rd
· Degognia Township: Smokey Rd, Korando Ln
· Desoto Township: Crane Rd (2 locations)
· Elk Township: Yates Rd, Schlager Rd
· Fountain Bluff Township: Odd Fellow Rd, E. Jacob Rd, Swan Pond Rd, White Ln
· Grand Tower Township: No Closures
· Kinkaid Township: No Closures
· Levan Township: No Closures
· Makanda Township: Springer Ridge Rd
· Murphysboro Township: No Closures
· Ora Township: No contact with road commissioner for update.
· Pomona Township: No Closures
· Sandridge Township: Lovers Ln, Water at bottom of spillway road but not
closed yet
· Somerset Township: Glendale School Rd, McLaughlin Rd, Saupe Rd will
probably be closed later today
· Vergennes Township: No Closures

For more information please call Jackson County EMA at (618) 684-3137. You can also visit the web-site at www.JacksonCountyEMA.com