Update: June 5/ 11:30 p.m. - Flood related road closures, caution areas

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Shanda L. De Anda
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The recent increase in rain fall has resulted in flooding in several areas, as rain continues, please visit this Web site or call 385-7623 (ROAD) for updated information.

On-base road closures:
None.

Off-base road closures:
Country Road from Haines Avenue to 143rd Avenue
155 Avenue in Box Elder
156 Avenue in Box Elder
South Ellsworth Road south of Line Road
159 Avenue South of Highway 14/16

The following off-base roads are not closed, but are highly recommended to avoid:
Aspen
Cottonwood
Spruce
Enterprise
Intersection of Line Road and Cottonwood


Additional precautions to consider:
"If you live near a creek, river or other area that is flooding, move to higher ground immediately before you are stranded by flood waters," according to the National Weather Service Web site. "Do not drive across flooded bridges, they may be washed out and vehicles can be swept away by flowing water only one to two feet deep. Be especially cautious at night when flood waters are difficult to see."

The flood warnings for urban areas and small streams in Northern Pennington and Southern Meade counties are in effect until 9:30 a.m. June 6. A flood warning means that flooding is imminent or was reported. Stream rises will be slow and flash flooding is not expected.

The White River as well as streams and creeks are near bankful or flooding. Bear Butte Creek, Elk Creek, Antelope Creek, Alkali Creek and the Belle Fourche River continue to flood in Meade County. Several Roads, which cross these creeks, have become impassable. Rainfall reports and radar estimates indicate 2 to 4 inches of rain have fallen over the past 24 hours with locally higher amounts (up to 8.5 inches) north of Box Elder in Southern Meade County. Flooding conditions will continue even after the rain has stopped.

According to the NWS site, "Most flood deaths occur in automobiles; never drive your vehicle into areas where the water covers the road way. Flood waters are usually deeper than they appear.

"When encountering flooded roads, make the smart choice - turn around, don't drown."

(Information courtesy www.nws.noaa.gov)