FREE ACCESS: Levee breaks near County Route 202

The levy near Highway 53 and County Route 202 broke Tuesday morning.

DAR/Joe McGraw

A levee broke in the vicinity of Highway 53 and County Route 202, according to County Commissioner Vince Lampe. Andy Clark, Drainage District Seven board member, reported the breach is growing. According to Butler County Highway Department Superintendent Robby Moore, the gap is 30 feet wide.

The Black River crested at 17.27 feet at 10 p.m. Monday night after the National Weather Service-Paducah issued a minor flood warning for the river. Moore said the flooding has not impacted any roads so far. Clark estimated 10,000 acres of farmland toward the Arkansas border will be affected.

“It’ll be a big impact,” he said.

The National Weather Service-Paducah issued a flood warning for the Black River near Poplar Bluff. The river crested at 17.27 feet according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

DAR/Joe McGraw

Clark also said 20 houses will possibly need to be evacuated. He spoke with personnel at the Clearwater Lake dam, who confirmed they will restrict flow of the Black River through Monday.

Moore viewed the breach conservatively, remarking, “It’s not a disaster yet by any means.”

“It should fall pretty quick,” Clark clarified, but remained concerned. Moore estimated the waters could recede by Thursday. Both confirmed no work could be done to repair the levee until the floodwaters went down.

Clark expressed frustration over the lack of funding and aid given to drainage districts like his own. A recent project that upgraded and repaired half a mile of levy cost $1 million, and he said 12 miles are overdue for repairs.

“We neeed our congressmen and politicians to help,” he said. “Times have changed.”

Clark also advocated for a cleanup of the Black River to help with drainage in the future. Butler County Emergency Manager Robbie Myers said levees are always a concern.

“Historically, some of the levies are not secure,” he elaborated.

Poplar Bluff City Manager Matt Winters said the flooding never necessitated the deployment of the flood wall on Ditch Road and the street department ensured storm drains were clear of debris.

“We were watching closely,” Winters said regarding the river levels.

At 13 feet, the waterway entered the Palmer Slough flood plain. Street Department Superintendent Jerry Lawson said the flood gate on the city’s levy was closed at 14 feet and no other countermeasures were needed.

This is a developing story. Updates will be posted as they become available.