Flooding Leads to Evacuations from Homes and Vehicles

Damage estimates are being compiled this evening in the wake of this morning’s flooding caused by hours of steady rain from about 5:30 to 9:30 a.m.

“We began our coordination effort early this morning. Late this afternoon, representatives of law enforcement, fire and emergency response agencies met at our emergency operations center to talk about flood damage and ensure there was coordination among agencies across the county,” said Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell, Jr.

More than 40 people are staying at a comfort station at the Ed Rice Community Center on North Watkins after 25 homes were evacuated in the Frasyer and Raleigh areas.

Memphis firefighters and police officers also rescued more than 30 people from their vehicles near Mountain Terrace.

“We had more than five inches of rain in just a few hours. That overwhelmed drainage systems and sent water over the top of creeks and tributaries near the rivers,” said Bob Nations, Jr., Director the Shelby County Office of Preparedness.

Southland Mall was closed after heavy rains led to a partial roof collapse. No shoppers or employees were injured.

Shelby County Firefighters rescued the driver of a Shelby County School bus when heavy rains forced it into a ditch on Deadfall Road.

In Bartlett, the downpour damaged Bartlett High and Bartlett Elementary Schools. The town’s municipal center was also damaged along with other businesses on Stage Road near Bartlett Boulevard. Water also crept into two homes in the nearby neighborhood.

Heavy rains also flooded neighborhoods in the Brunswick area. Minor damage was noted at a few homes and businesses.

No homes or businesses were damaged in Millington, but many vehicles were overtaken by high water along Singleton Parkway and Pleasant Ridge Road.

A number of creeks and tributaries are near flood stage. The various emergency response agencies and the National Weather Service will be monitoring conditions through the night.

“Forecasters say we’ll have periods of rain that could cause more flash flooding in the Shelby County area. It’s vital we keep watch on conditions to ensure citizens and motorists stay as safe as possible,” added Director Nations.

For more information contact the Shelby County Office of Preparedness at (901) 515.2525.