Flood Warning in Effect for Clay County

With the possibility of more rain in the forecast through the end of this week, the National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for Clay County and the surrounding areas.

During flood conditions, do not attempt to go through water moving over a roadway

KPGZ Meteorologist Pete Chaston advises that thundershowers are possible every day this week. Areas around Kearney could receive an additional one to three inches of rain this week, however severe storms are not expected. Because the ground is so saturated and streams are at high levels already, even brief showers could cause some flooding.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Team advises that water over the roadway can be a very dangerous situation. The team said that just six inches of fast moving water can knock over and carry away an adult, and twelve inches of fast moving water can carry away a small car. 18 – 24 inches of fast moving water can carry away most large SUV’s and trucks.

During flood conditions, do not attempt to go through water moving over a roadway. The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office reports that last Friday Jolene Fader of Gower entered water that was over NW County Line Road, about two miles south of Gower. When Fader drove into the water her vehicle was swept off the side of the road. Fader was unable to exit the vehicle and drowned. Gower Fire Department’s water rescue team was able to rescue two other people from the vehicle.

KPGZ Weather - Meteorologist Pete Chaston and Brian Watts contributed to this story