Heavy rain in Texas County led to flooded roads and at least two water rescues Sunday afternoon as the raging Brushy Creek left its banks.
Two persons were saved from high water when their vehicle was swept away into a creek southwest of Raymondville, authorities said. Two occupants were reported on the hood of the vehicle southwest of Raymondville. About 15 minutes later, neighbors helped the pair to safety and the car was swept away.
Among those responding were the Raymondville Fire Department, Houston Rural Fire Department Rescue Squad, Texas County Sheriff’s Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Emergency personnel were called around 5:30 p.m. to a water rescue on Brushy Creek Road east of Houston where four persons were trapped inside a house as high water neared it.
Rescuers watched for nearly two hours as water surrounded the home, which is situated south of a commercial area that includes a bowling area and restaurant. All agreed the current was too swift to attempt a rescue by a Missouri Department of Conservation boat. A helicopter had been considered, but the home is surrounded by a dense forest, and the four in the Richard Ebert home were not experiencing any medical problems, said Sgt. George Falterman of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Kerry Martindale, Ebert’s son, said he was in telephone communication with those stranded. At times, some of those in the home could be seen walking around the house, which is situated near Pine Lawn Cemetery. Water slowly crept into the home — first in the family room and then two bedrooms. A propane tank was overturned.
“We feel very fortunate to have gotten out with our lives,” the Ebert’s niece, Kathy Evans, wrote. Her cousin, Kent, also was in the home.
Martindale said it was the worse flooding since late April 1983 when a 60-year-old woman was washed away from apartments along the banks of Brushy Creek.
Inside the city limits, the Houston Police Department shut down Walnut Street near Oak Hill Drive as water from Brushy Creek poured over the roadway. Across U.S. 63 on Highway B, water rose inside Houston Bowl and Grandma’s Country Kitchen. Cleanup continued this week.
MoDOT was seeking help from the Missouri State Highway Patrol as traffic was backing up on Highway 137 due to high water. Flooding also was reported at Highways DD and 17.
A stretch of pavement on Walnut Street/Highway F near the bridge was washed away, and the roadway closed. It reopened Monday afternoon.
At the nearby Houston Wastewater Treatment Plant there was no damage. Unlike a storm in 1983, the water came from areas to the east of the city, said City Administrator Larry Sutton. Widespread flooding across the town — like in April 1983 — would have resulted in potential problems.
Intercounty Electric Cooperative crews also were restoring power in the area. The Licking-based cooperative said about 1,000 households were without power, including several in Houston after rolling thunderstorms swept through the region.
High water surrounds a Brushy Creek residence at about 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Rescue workers said the raging water prevented a rescue by a Missouri Department of Conservation boat. By about 7 p.m., the water had receded.
ARCHIVES: 1983 flood left one dead, $1 million in damage