Jennings County declares travel restrictions under serious flooding

Jennings County is putting travel restrictions in place as high water continues to cover roadways.

The county has declared a yellow travel advisory, the lowest level of travel restrictions. Under a yellow travel advisory, driving conditions could be hazardous in some areas.

According to the Jennings County sheriff’s department, multiple roads are experiencing heavy flooding that is washing out sections of road and knocking down trees. The sheriff warns that you should use extreme caution if you have to on the roads, slow down, watch out for flooded roadways and never drive through standing water.

Emergency officials say that you can not tell the conditions of the roadway when it is under water, nor can you tell the depth of the water. Even a foot of water is enough to sweep away a car while two feet can carry off an SUV or pickup.

Agencies across the county have been responding to emergencies over the past few days including medical calls and water rescues. The sheriff praised the crews “working around the clock to protect lives and restore safe travel conditions throughout the county.”

Jennings County is the only county to declare travel restrictions in our immediate area. Across southeastern Indiana, Franklin County has declared an orange travel watch, while Ripley County has also declared a travel advisory.

Photo: Jennings County Road 1100N has completely washed away under severe flooding. Photo courtesy of Jennings County Sheriff’s Department.