Reno County issues disaster declaration

The Reno County Board of Commissioners have declared a local disaster due to the recent severe weather and flooding in the area.

Flash flooding and heavy rains closed several roadways throughout Reno County and Hutchinson. 

A news release from Reno County Emergency Management says the National Weather service predicts the water levels in Crow Creek to reach 12.4 feet on Sunday which will close roadways and affect several residences.

Reno County Emergency Management also sent a warning to residences saying:

If you reside in an area that is prone to flooding, now is the time to determine if you should evacuate your residence or not. If you choose not to evacuate, our first responders will not risk their safety to respond to you unless there is a life safety concern.

Our law enforcement officers have set up barricades for your safety. Do not drive around barricaded roadways. Reno County Sheriff’s Deputies and Hutchinson Police Officers will strictly enforce this and will write tickets to those caught going around the barricades.

If you encounter roadways that are covered with water DO NOT drive through them. The road may have collapsed under the water. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks.

Do not enter, walk, swim or use the flood waters for recreational purposes. Often times flood waters could be infested with raw sewage, hazardous waste and a multitude of dangerous objects. Emergency Management Reno County 206 W 1st Ave Hutchinson, KS 67501 620-694-2974 Page 2 If you have water in your basement: Stay out of the water, do not walk into the water for any reason. If you are concerned with electrical issues please note the following: If your breaker is upstairs and you can turn it off safely yourself, do that; DO NOT go into your basement to shut off your electricity. 

You can follow emergency management on Facebook for updated information.