Flooding hits parts of Bell Co.
Published 11:46 am Sunday, February 11, 2018
<p>Courtesy of BCSO</p> <p>The Bell County Sheriff’s Office reported that KY 74 was blocked due to a landslide. The State Highway Department shut the road down at the hairpin curve coming out of Middlesboro. The road is expected to be shut down for at least two weeks. The only access to Frakes will be via Hwy. 190 during this time.</p>
<p>Courtesy of Scott Madon</p> <p>High waters threaten the intersection of Hwy. 66 and U.S. Hwy. 25E.</p>
<p>Courtesy of Scott Madon</p> <p>The road in Dorton Branch was flooded Sunday.</p>
<p>Courtesy of Scott Madon</p> <p>There was no golf at Wasioto Winds, as most of the course was under water.</p>
Bell County was hit by a deluge of rain over the weekend that left many roadways flooded and impassable.
Bell County Judge-Executive Albey Brock and Bell County Sheriff Mitch Williams kept the public updated throughout the weekend with weather conditions.
“Please don’t attempt to drive through water that is covering the roadways. Take extreme caution while driving and watch for water covered roadways in low-lying areas. If you have an emergency call 911. For non emergencies call Bell County Dispatch at 606-337-6174. Please be safe and contact us if you encounter an emergency situation,” Williams said via Facebook.
Pineville Mayor Scott Madon also conveyed caution and warnings for those traveling in the area, asking people to not travel flooded roadways.
Main Street Pineville posted Sunday afternoon, “Pineville City Police officers are stationed in the downtown, Wallsend and Newtown areas. If any resident has a question or concern, feel free to approach an officer — they are out to help assure you that there is no reason to panic.”
The National Weather Service in Jackson updated with a hazardous weather outlook for portions of eastern Kentucky Sunday afternoon.
For Sunday night, “excessive rainfall of the past 24 to 36 hours, combined with already saturated soils, has led to rises to bankfull and to over flood stage along area creeks and streams. Flooding of the larger rivers will continue into the upcoming week, especially for portions of the Kentucky and Cumberland River basins. A wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow is possible tonight.”
The Daily News will have updates as they become available.
The NWS suggests to continue to monitor local media and take necessary precautions.
