According to Michael Gillispie with the National Weather Service, Davison County has received 5-8” of rain in the last three days. The large amount of rain, on top of the already saturated soil, has caused flooding on many county roads; as well as city streets in Ethan, Mt. Vernon and Mitchell. Many of the roads washed out in March are washed out again. Crews are putting up road closed signs as fast as they can. However, extreme caution should be used while driving on any road.
The National Weather Service Monitor on the James River is at 13.79’ and expected to crest next week at 20.3’. Flood stage is 12’. Massive amounts of water are entering Lake Mitchell via Firesteel Creek, which is at 12.62’, and will crest Friday at 14.8’. Flood stage is 8’. There is approximately 1’ of water going over the spillway. A sandbag station has been set up for residents at the HWY Shop at 1224 W. 5th Ave. The City of Mitchell is unable to provide a sandbag station, as it is under water.
Several homes have flooded basements, sewage backup, and a few with collapsed basement walls. Free clean up buckets/mops are available through the Salvation Army, located at 724 N. Sanborn Blvd.
The Salvation Army is on scene in Mt. Vernon assisting in operations, with plans to serve a meal tonight at the Lutheran Church.
Davison County Emergency Management will work with state and local officials over the next several weeks to assess the damage.
If you are in need of non-emergency assistance, please call 605-999-2863. Emergency Response will be very difficult due to the status of the roads.
