Flash flooding road damage estimated at up to $1 million

April 29– Hardin County Highway Superintendent Paul Blount says this week’s flash floods caused between $800,000 and $1 million damage to county roads.

This comes on top of $1.25 million in damage from the May 2010 flooding event, and around $700,000 last August, he noted.

County schools have been closed since Wednesday because of flooding and hazardous road conditions, but Blount said late yesterday afternoon that roads will be in shape for classes to resume Monday.

Damage from the most recent flooding is "just county-wide," but is most severe in areas traversed by creeks, he observed.

Today, the highway department is continuing to make repairs to washed-out roads and culverts, and has also been busy in the Pickwick area struck by Wednesday’s tornado.

"Drivers just need to be careful, and watch out for our workers," said Blount.