Personnel with the Marion County Road Department are also on the front lines when severe weather hits; damage to roads may require them to help out and spread the word to drivers, something County Engineer Tyler Christian wants to remind the public about during the severe weather season.

He tells KNIA/KRLS News there are some common problems he and his workers may encounter in the wake of severe weather.

“Two of the most common issues we encounter would be flooding, from both Lake Red Rock level flooding and also flash flooding from streams and heavy rain events and runoff, that sort of thing,” Christian says.

“And then the other would be tornadoes, wind and storm events similar to tornadoes, straight line winds. Just trees blocking the roadway, debris in the roadway.”

Christian says every truck carries some basic equipment for use in these emergencies; a chainsaw can usually solve the problem of a road blocked by a tree, although heavier equipment is sometimes needed.

And flooded roads may require the deployment of cones or warning signs; some frequently-flooded areas have pre-installed gates which can be closed when needed.

Christian warns drivers they should not drive into a flooded area, no matter how high the clearance of their vehicle; deep waters can stall or even sweep away a vehicle, and even shallow water can conceal damage to a road which would make it impassible.