Weekend storms flood area

OSCEOLA - Weekend storms brought lots of rainy and windy weather to Osceola and South Mississippi County. The City of Osceola received more than 2 inches of rain Saturday, with some of the heaviest falling between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.

The heavy rain which fell Saturday made travel difficult for motorists across the area. Drainage ditches from Lepanto to Osceola were near or at capacity. Fields all over the region resembled ponds and lakes. Travel on local highways and roads choked with water was treacherous. Residential neighborhoods resembled small lakes as water covered roads, lawns and driveways.

Intersections in Osceola were flooded. Roads on the south side of Keiser Avenue flooded, as did areas of Semmes Avenue. The intersection of Hale Avenue and School Street was nearly impassable with some drivers choosing to turn around rather than drive through the deep water. Hale Street between Walnut and the railroad flooded with water getting over the curb in places.

Rain fall totals for the last seven days in the area total more than 6.50 inches and the nearly 10 inches of rain which have fallen in the area the first two weeks of the month make it one of the wettest Februarys on record. At 9.98 inches that is more than double the historical amount of rain for the month of 4.55 inches.