More than a dozen roads closed in Cole Co. due to flooding

More than a dozen roads in Cole County have been closed due to flooding, with more rain on the way Thursday and Friday.

The county has shut down 17 roads due to flooding, mostly near the Moreau River.

Those roads include Bainer, Buffalo, Campbell, East Lohman, Engineers, Loesch, Meadows Ford, Murphy Ford, North Branch, Oakland, Payne, Railroad, Rockhouse Spur, Vaughn Ford, Water Street, Waterford Road, and Zion Road.

Many of these roads are covered in high water. The Moreau River is just over 21 feet, and is expected to crest tonight at 23.1 feet, which is the high end of minor flood stage, according to the National Weather Service.

Flooding is something that Cole County prepares for.

Along with permanent warning signs of flooding potential along these roads, the county posts temporary road blocks at key detour spots.

Officials said they’re not only watching the weather conditions constantly, crews are out on the roads as well.

Larry Benz with Cole County Public Works said, “Especially during the day, we’re out just driving the roads, looking to see if there are clogged pipes, or debris underneath a bridge. We try and get people out there and get it moved as quickly as possible.”

The Public Works Department is keeping in close contact with emergency crews to keep them informed about which roads are flooded.