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Nelson County officials report multiple water rescues, warming center activation and road closures after heavy rain and snow
Summary
Judge Executive Tim Hutchins and Emergency Management Director Brad Medcap told listeners the county logged six water rescues and temporary road closures after heavy rain and an incoming snow event; officials described a new Civic Center callbox for warming-center access and urged caution and cleanup participation.
Judge Executive Tim Hutchins said on the county radio program that Nelson County emergency crews responded to multiple water rescues and that flooding had crested in parts of the county but remained below major flooding levels.
"We had six water rescues since the water has went up," Brad Medcap, the county's Emergency Management director, said, adding that first responders rescued seven people who had been stranded in rising water. Hutchins thanked fire departments and mutual-aid partners for repeated rescue efforts.
The county reported that floodwaters crested in New Haven and rose higher than expected in the Boston area but stayed roughly three feet below major-flood thresholds, and officials said they expected water to start receding within hours. Hutchins warned that warming temperatures and new snow melt could add runoff to already saturated ground.
To support residents during power outages and cold weather, officials said the county has upgraded the Civic Center's access and communications. "We've put in a callbox system," Brad Medcap said. Residents who lose power are asked to call the non-emergency dispatch number, 502-348-3211; on arrival at the Civic Center they can press a call button and staff will verify and remotely unlock the doors to allow temporary, monitored sheltering. Officials said cots have been prepositioned and staff will monitor entries via camera.
Hutchins urged caution on county roads, noting temporary closures and mudslides in parts of the county and asking drivers to slow down near emergency crews. He also told listeners the Fiscal Court and Nelson County Emergency Management Facebook pages carry the most up-to-date road-status and closure information.
Officials reminded residents that bulky-item collection begins Monday: place cut brush, tree limbs and bulky items at the roadside in separate piles (brush, tires, junk) so crews can collect materials efficiently. Hutchins said residents who can haul their own debris may use the county's old quarry/landfill during the pickup period at no charge and provided a road department number for scheduling and questions.
The program closed by listing contact points for assistance and urging the public to monitor county social pages and call the non-emergency dispatch if they need shelter or information. Hutchins also announced a Community Connect event on Feb. 25 at the Fairfield Fire Station where residents can meet local and federal representatives and ask questions.
