A subdivision of about 100 homes near Oakville was surrounded by rising floodwater Tuesday as the Twin Rivers overflowed onto local roads. Emergency crews used boats to help residents evacuate.
The Twin River Estates neighborhood, located off Highway 618 in Brookfield County, became unreachable by car after several inches of rain caused the river to spill over its banks. Some streets saw up to 3 feet of water. Emergency officials reported that water rescues had been in progress for several hours.
A local news crew saw a 93-year-old woman being carried out by boat. She planned to stay with friends in Springdale.
According to Capt. David Turner of the Oakville Volunteer Fire Department, crews evacuated up to five residents, most of them elderly, as the river climbed 6 to 7 feet above normal levels.
“We got as far as we could with our high-water truck, but it was 6 feet deep at that point,” Turner said. “The boat had to finish the job.”
Officials remained concerned that the river could rise further, depending on rainfall over the next few days.
While many houses in the subdivision are built on stilts, residents worried about damage to belongings stored underneath their homes, including boats, grills, golf carts, refrigerators, and ATVs.
“I checked this morning and there was no water in the garage. Now, it’s halfway up my leg,” said resident Lisa Garrett.
People also reported seeing ants, snakes, and alligators in the floodwater.
Flooding also affected Riverbend County after nearby streams spilled onto roadways, closing streets such as West Maple Drive, Oak Street, and South Pine Avenue in Westfield.
The Twin River was predicted to crest at 15 feet Tuesday afternoon—about 8 inches above flood stage. In parts of Westfield, heavy rain left some neighborhoods ringed by water.
Tommy Reed, who lives on West Maple Drive, said water near his home was almost knee-deep, and he needed a boat to reach his trailer.
“My house is 4 feet off the ground. If the water hits four feet, then I’ve got a real problem,” Reed said.
Mason Cooper said flooding kept him from working for two days because it was not safe to drive.
“We’re in a tough spot,” Reed said. “We just have to manage. Moving isn’t an option.” Forecasters expect the Twin River to drop below flood stage by Friday evening.
In nearby Lakeview, residents said the water rose quickly after days of rain.
“I didn’t think it would happen this time,” said one resident. “Then I woke up this morning and there it was. It’s getting worse.”
Another neighbor described the water rising in about 30 minutes and receding after two hours.
Many residents are hoping for a break in the rain so the floodwaters can drop and roads can reopen.
Anyone needing assistance in the Oakville area should contact the Oakville Volunteer Fire Department.
