Columbus Experiencing Evacuations, Power Outages

(Columbus) Columbus is dealing with high water levels causing flooding in several spots throughout the city. The Crawfish River at Columbus is inches below flood stage of 17.5-feet. The bridge at Highway 16-60 remains closed due to high water. Electric power has been cut on Campbell Street due to high water. Residents who live on Campbell, Baden Chisholm streets along with River Road are strongly being urged to evacuate as the Crawfish River is expected to continue to rise over the next couple of days.

Columbus Fire Public Information Officer Jerrod Fox says failure to evacuate will make it impossible for emergency responders to help. Fox reminds those who may evacuate to bring the four P’s along: pills (medications), pets (domesticated pets), purses (money and important information) and cell phones (including chargers).

Displaced residents who need shelter are encouraged to go the Columbus Community Building at 161 North Dickason Boulevard.  Those with pets can take them to the Columbus Fireman’s Park Pavilion at 1049 Park Avenue. Volunteers are needed for ongoing sandbagging operations which are taking place at the Old Countryside Ford building at 1149 West James Street.

Those willing to assist are welcome to arrive up until 7pm Friday, 10am-1pm Saturday.  Residents who need sandbags can pick them up at this location.

Volunteers are no longer needed to fill sandbags in Lodi, where they have thousands already filled. While the water has receded from Thursday, officials say it could increase again today. The Fall River Fire Department is manning the fire station in Lodi as the community deals with flooding-related matters.

Columbia County Sheriff Roger Brandner says the county is experiencing extreme flooding with over 100 areas where there is water moving across roadways. Numerous roads with water have no signage.

Click here for a link to road closures and related flooding information

A flood warning for our entire listening area has been extended through 3:45pm Saturday.

 

Update: March 15, 2019, 5:25 pm

The City of Columbus is managing high water levels causing flooding in several spots in the City.

The bridge at Hwy 16 & 60 remains closed due to high water.

Electric power will be shut down on Campbell Street due to high water.

Residents on River Road needing to return to their homes to retrieve pets or medications are asked to call 920-350-5818, before 10 am Saturday to pre-register for an escort by law enforcement to take place at noon, Saturday March 16.

Displaced residents in need of shelter can still go to the Columbus Community Building at 161 N. Dickason Blvd.

Sandbags are available at the Old Countryside Ford building at 1149 W. James Street.  Anyone willing to assist in filling sandbags are welcome to arrive between 10 am-1 pm Saturday.

Residents with questions about flooding or the current situation are directed to call the Columbus Police Department non-emergency line at 920-623-5919.

 

 

Photo credit: Columbus Fire Department