Flooded Roadways After Sunday Night's Big Rains

The storms that passed through the Effingham area Sunday night dumped 3.3" inches of rain.

The storms were widespread; Mattoon received 3-1/4 inches. 2-1/2 inches was reported in Teutopolis; the area south of Dieterich and Newton received more than five inches of rain. Six inches of rain was reported north of Lake Sara.

The Effingham County Dive Rescue Team was called at 5:10am today to 1800th Avenue near Wild Oaks Subdivision. Dive Team Commander Terry Trueblood said a woman had driven her minivan into flood waters and was trapped in her vehicle. She phoned for help, and Dive Team members helped walk her out of the flooded area. Her minivan was still in the flood waters after 6am.

Flooded roadways will be the rule throughout the area, so please stick to higher ground.