Roads across Madison Co. closed due to flooding

MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. — Heavy rain flooded streets Wednesday morning across West Tennessee.

“We are seeing several roads flooded in our state system, especially along the Mississippi River,” Nichole Lawrence with the Tennessee Department of Transportation said.

In Jackson, parts of the Bemis area were under water Wednesday morning, prompting city officials to shut down several roads.

D Street was one of the heavy-hit areas. Just a few streets over, the intersection at North Kentucky and A Street looked like a pond.

The people inside one home told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News off camera that they couldn’t get out.

Even with the high waters and caution signs posted, we found cars and trucks plunging through the deep water.

“Our advice is just to not. You never know how high the waters are,” Lawrence said. “The rushing water is stronger than you think or anticipate when you’re in your strong car.”

Lawrence says they have been monitoring the roads, trying to keep people safe.

“We put up our barricades, and we have men who will sit there and make sure nobody drives across,” Lawrence said.

In Madison County, Ozier Road in Pinson also saw flooding.

In the City of Jackson, John Williams Road at East Chester was completely under water.

WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News asked Lawrence if TDOT prepares for storms by cleaning drains.

“If it’s our state highways, then yes,” Lawrence said. “A lot of time the rushing waters bring in the debris and the drains aren’t clogged until the rains come in.”

As the flooding recedes, we aren’t quite out of the water just yet. Officials still want you to keep safety in mind.

“To not cross water if it’s on the roadway. If you hydroplane, keep both hands on the wheel,” Lawrence said.

Remember, turn around. Don’t drown.