Moffett Under Voluntary Evacuation; Several County Roads Closed

(Photo courtesy of Chief Brooks, Moffett Police Dept.)

The National Weather Service extended the flood warning for Sequoyah County and the general area at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday as heavy rains continue to cause streams and rivers, including the Arkansas and Illinois Rivers, to rise.

The Town of Moffett in eastern Sequoyah County, and on the Arkansas River bank, experienced heavy flooding Monday (pictured above) causing many residents to evacuate voluntarily. Many residents are continuing to evacuate although it is not mandatory at this time. All thru traffic is being diverted from the town.

Steve Rutherford stated, "The Arkansas River is continuing to rise steadily."

Sequoyah County roads closed are:

-State Highway 64D from State Hwy. 64 to the Dora exit;

-Cosner Road off Hwy. 64D at Roland;

-Dwight Mission Road about three and a half miles north of U.S. Highway 64; and

-Gore Landing Park is closed; and

-MarVal Trout Camp is closed due to flooding on the Illinois River. The camp was evacuated Monday.

-Highway 101, near the state line, is open but is being monitored.

Rutherford said swift water rescue teams were sent out on three rescues over the past 24 hours, but some of those trapped abandoned their vehicles and walked out on foot. Rutherford said the teams were sent to a rescue at 5 a.m. Monday on Cosner Road, but the person was rescued by the Roland Police Department. Other rescues in the same area were conducted earlier Tuesday and on Monday.

Rutherford emphasized, “Don’t drive through standing water. Turn around. Don’t drown.”

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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