Washouts prompt Rexburg area disaster declaration
Madison County is experiencing significant road washouts. The destruction was caused by rain and warm temperatures that created sheet flooding.
Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter has signed a state disaster declaration. The declaration makes state matching funds available to assist with response and repair efforts. It is the first weather-related declaration in Idaho this year.
According to Madison County Fire Chief and Emergency Manager Corey Child said access to homes, disruption to commerce, and limited first responder access were very real threats to the public in and around Rexburg. “Everyone is very sensitive to the needs of the community and the difficulty this flooding continues to cause. We’re not out of the woods yet either, as the forecast calls for additional moisture over the next few days.”
Madison County officials said the ground has not yet thawed in the bench area east of Rexburg. As temperatures warm and rain falls, the water cascades over roads. The bench area is home to multiple dry-farms and producers are having difficulty getting semi-trucks of potatoes from the farm to processing facilities.
The Idaho Emergency Operations Center is activated at Level III in support of Madison County. Latest emergency warning information is available here.
