Cape Girardeau prepares for heavy rain, asks residents to stay cautious on roads
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo.(KBSI) — As forecasts call for heavy rain overnight and throughout the weekend, city officials and public works crews in Cape Girardeau have been working throughout the week to help ensure roadways remain as safe and clear as possible.
“It looks like we’re going to get quite a bit of rain tonight,” said Brock Davis, Assistant Public Works Director. “Any rain event, we have barricades ready in case they’re needed to block off streets when they start flooding.”
Davis and his team have been focused on clearing drains, inlets, and creeks of any potential blockages in anticipation of the incoming weather. He says that speed is a critical factor during these weather events.
“The quicker we can get the water from the creeks and ditches to the main river, the better,” he explained. “If it backs up, that just causes more streets and properties to flood.”
Davis encouraged residents to do their part, especially in areas where city crews are not permitted to enter.
“A lot of areas are privately owned, and we can’t go on there,” he said. “So if anybody has a ditch or creek that runs through their property, keeping it clear really helps.”
Roadblocks are already prepared by Cape Public Works to be deployed as needed. As city crews continue their efforts, Cape Girardeau Mayor Stacy Kinder urged drivers to use extreme caution and avoid flooded roads.
“Folks may be very confident in their driving abilities or in their SUV or truck,” Kinder said. “But the fact is, even a small bit of water can cause a car to slide off the road.”
She says that wet conditions bring added dangers, such as hydroplaning and vehicles being lifted off the ground in deep water.
“Hydroplaning takes just a minimal amount of water,” Kinder said. “And in flooded areas, it becomes even more dangerous.”
Residents who encounter flooded roadways are encouraged to contact the Cape Girardeau Police Department to report them. City officials continue to monitor conditions closely as rain is expected to continue into the weekend.
