By By Marianne Todd and Sheila Blackmon/The Meridian Star
April 6, 2001
Area emergency officials say residents weathered Wednesday's storm cells and heavy rains well, but they don't know how much damage resulted.
Lauderdale County Fire Coordinator Clarence Butler said local residents were fortunate.
At least three volunteer fire departments Northeast, Bailey and Marion were called out during torrential rains to block off flooded roads. By Thursday afternoon, only Bronson Road near Okatibbee Creek in the southern part of the county remained closed, he said.
Neshoba County's residents didn't fare as well, and the flooding could continue.
He said road conditions are improving, and though most roads are passable, water still covers Old Williamsville Road.
While city street department employees inspected roads and bridges, building officials assessed flood damage to several homes. Neshoba County schools were closed Thursday due to the heavy rains.
Water covered 52 Neshoba County roads Wednesday night, said George Yates, Neshoba County Emergency Management Agency director.
He sent a staff member to take pictures, documenting damage for possible financial assistance. He said state officials declared Neshoba, Leake, Holmes and Attala counties emergency areas Wednesday night.
With a little luck, extra firefighters and law enforcement officials, no injuries resulted from the storm cells and heavy rains in Philadelphia and only a few minor injuries were reported countywide, officials said.
Both Edwards and Yates said they don't know the total cost of the damage but expect to have a figure by today.
Marianne Todd and Sheila Blackmon are staff writers for The Meridian Star. E-mail them at mtodd@themeridianstar.com or sblackmon@themeridianstar.com.