Emergency Services Agencies Urge Against Traveling Water-Covered Roadways

Local emergency services are urging motorists not to travel on water-covered roadways.

The large amount of rainfall expected this weekend has led Effingham Dive Rescue Team Commander Terry Trueblood, Effingham County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator Pam Jacobs and Illinois State Police Public Information Officer Tammy Welborn to issue reminders against traveling on roads that are underwater.

It doesn't take much water to cause a vehicle's tires to lose contact with a roadway. The current of a waterway can quickly carry a vehicle off a roadway and downstream. 

Officials say 12-18 inches of water may cause a car to float and be carried away in a matter of seconds.

Residents are also reminded to check their sump pump systems, and take other measures to prepare buildings, pets, and livestock for heavy rains and flooding.

Our listening area will be under a flash flood watch from 7pm tonight to 7am Monday. We could see five inches or more of rain.