After near record-setting rainfall over the last few days, conditions turned icy overnight. Springfield streets crews treated bridge decks last night and are checking road conditions this morning so they can apply salt if needed. City officials urge drivers to take extreme caution over bridges and overpasses this morning.
The 6.03 inches of rain Saturday marks the second highest one-day total in the city’s history. The only wetter day on record was November 24, 1987 when a storm produced 6.27 inches of rain in one day, according to the city.
From midnight Saturday to Monday afternoon, there were 119 water rescues in Springfield and Greene County with 34 barricaded or closed streets in the city limits and 198 reports of water over roadways, including signal problems in the area.
The Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management is providing a disaster assessment and shelter needs hotline from 8 am to 4 pm today (12/29). Citizens in Greene County who have experienced flood damage to their homes, properties or businesses and who those who need shelter can call the hotline at 417-829-6200. According to city officials, as of 3:30 pm Monday, OEM had received 341 damage reports.
The Springfield Animal Shelter sustained damage due to the flooding, but the shelter animals are safe and staff has been able to clean up the mess, according to Health Department Public Information Administrator Kathryn Wall.
The Springfield-Greene County Health Department urges residents to use caution when cleaning up after flooding.
It says flood water can contain contaminants and unseen hazards. People should use caution when dealing with anything touched by floodwater..
Specific tips for dealing with food items, furniture and cleaning can be found at health.springfieldmo.gov
The Red Cross has opened an emergency shelter at the request of the Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management. The shelter, at Day Springs Christian Church, 2157 N. Prospect in Springfield, opened at 8 Monday night to house residents impacted by flooding.
City Utilities is providing free rides to the bus stop in front of the church from 6 am to 10 pm while the shelter is open. Riders just need to ask the bus driver to take them to the Red Cross Shelter.
For more information about the shelter, call 207-6349.
Meanwhile, the shelter in Branson has moved to the Branson Salvation Army, 1114 Stanley Avenue.
