Heavy rain caused problems for local drivers last week with swollen creeks and flooded roads around the county. As always Dowelltown saw the most problems with Dry Creek and Smith Fork overtopping their banks and flooding the surrounding area. The rain was so heavy on Thursday and into Friday morning that schools were called off.

One man found himself trapped in the flood waters after he drove through a flooded roadway on Alexandria to Dismal Road in Dowelltown, near the bridge at Smith Fork Road. Glenn Edwards’ Ford F150 was swept off the roadway, prompting a rescue by local authorities.

The DeKalb Swift Water Task Forced, comprised of firefighters from the DeKalb, Smithville, and Alexandria Fire Departments, and led by the DeKalb Rescue Squad, was called to the scene where they formed what they call a “Wedge” to reach the stranded driver. Rescuers locked their arms together as they waded into the freezing water, keeping one another from being swept into the current. Units with the DeKalb Sheriff’s Department and DeKalb EMS were also on hand to render assistance.

Captain Dusty Johnson reported that Edwards could hardly walk and had to be carried back to safe ground. DeKalb EMS then transported Edwards to the hospital to be checked out. He was reportedly uninjured in the incident.

Another driver was swept off the roadway in the Holmes Creek area, but was able to reach safety without emergency personnel. The driver reportedly tied his vehicle to a tree so it would not be swept away by the flood waters.