Heavy rains fell over the U.S. Sunday night and Monday morning, causing floods in several states. Several counties north of Nashville, TN and locations near Affton, MO were heavily affected.
In Tennessee, emergency officials in Montgomery, Robertson, and Sumner Counties urged drivers to use caution while driving after water was reported over several roadways. That night, emergency crews conducted one water rescue after a person became trapped in a vehicle due to high water. No injuries were reported.
Emergency Management Director R.L. Douglas reported that the flooding was over before they had time to react, stating that after several major highways were covered in water, it was gone in record time.
“By the time TDOT gets up there to put out high water signs, it’s usually gone,” he said. “It’s a flash flood and a flash disappearance.”
There had been a flash flood watch effect for several Middle Tennessee counties until 10 a.m. but it was allowed to expire early Monday. According to the Wilson County Emergency Management Agency, a flood advisory was in effect for the county through 1 p.m. Monday.
Justyn Jackson, with the National Weather Service in Nashville, said Middle Tennesse could see some widespread rain developing in some locations late Monday morning — especially into the afternoon hours.
“We’ll still have a little bit of lingering rain toward Cookville and Crossville but we’re not expecting any severe weather,” Jackson said. “Some storms could have some gusty wind and small hail. We don’t think it’s going to be a major deal.”
In Affton, MO, things were a little more impactful, reports state. While there were no major injuries reported, property damage had been cited in a few locations due to flooding.
Three apartment buildings in the Cedar Creek Lodge Apartment Complex in Affton, MO had water covering the ground floor Sunday evening, leading to the flooding of about 24 apartments.
Chief Nick Fahs of the Affton Fire Protection District reported that:
“When the first company arrived they said it was raining so hard they couldn’t see their hand in front of their face. It appears it hit the drains over here and clogged them. Within a matter of minutes, these people in the lower units were running for the upper levels and the cars were submerged within just a few seconds.”
Tony Sartorelli, a resident of the complex, was outside surveying the damage to his car Sunday evening.
“It’s all mud inside. Leather seats — those are probably not going to be so good,” he said.
It’s estimated that somewhere around 20% of all insurance claims are related to water damage of some kind. It is unknown what the total costs for damages to the county, apartment complex, or residents of the complex is estimated to be at this time.