Flooding causes problems in county

By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Flash flooding in low-lying areas, spawned by more than 5 inches of rain in two days, caused several roads and schools in Morgan County to be closed Jan 7-8.
Road closings occurred in all four commission districts and prompted county schools to call off classes for two days because of local flooding conditions.
In District 4, Cotaco/Florette, Highway 36, Fields, Marsh and Ruth Roads were closed because of high water. A vehicle was swept off Highway 36 between the Highway 67 and 36 intersection and Cotaco and rushing water caused damage to a bridge rail on Ruth Road, according to Commissioner Greg Abercrombie.
Commissioner Don Stisher reported similar problems in District 3.
The Flint Creek Bridge on Huckaby Bridge Road was inundated with 2 to 3 feet of water and had to be closed for a couple of days. A truck slid off of the water-covered roadway and landed in three to four feet of water. The Morgan County Rescue squad was dispatched with a board to rescue the driver, Ronnie Hightower, who escaped unharmed. Falkville’s Volunteer Fire Department assisted in the removal of the truck.
Stisher said he measured 5.5 inches on rain at his house east of Falkville on from Sunday night until Wednesday morning.
District 2 Commissioner Ken Livingston reported flooding on Huskaby Bridge Road and Halbrooks Road in his district. River Road in District 1 was also under water.
A spokesperson for the Morgan County Emergency Management Office said EMA personnel monitored the weather conditions but was never called on for emergency assistance. That was a possibility later in the week depending on the crest of the Tennessee River in the Lacey’s Spring community.