Overnight storms lead to flooding, downed trees
“We got very lucky.”
That’s what Morgan County Emergency Agency Director Ethan Webb said early Sunday afternoon following overnight storms that led to flooding, power outages and downed trees in the area.
“It could have been 110 percent worse,” Webb added. “We tracked three or four storms last night that were tornado warned, but they all dissipated before they got here.”
Morgan County, however, did have its share of problems. Shortly after midnight, high winds led to downed trees and power lines in the north and western portions of the county.
“The storms themselves didn’t do that much damage,” Webb said. “There was some damage in Deer Lodge, but not much.
“But around 1 am high winds caused trees, power lines and communication lines to come down. Utility crews, road crews, the rescue squad and fire departments are working now to get that cleared up, but it will take some time.”
The focus of attention turned to the Oakdale area in the morning, as the Emory river reached flood stage after rising from 3.93 feet Saturday morning at 9 am before cresting at more than 28 feet Sunday morning at 7 am.
“The area of West Main Street around the (Oakdale City) park flooded and we were watching Riverview Street. The Emory River did reach flood stage, but we did not have to evacuate any homes.”
The storms have left the area, but Webb says there still is cause for concern.
“With the ground saturated, there could be a few more downed trees with high winds.”
