Tree down on Sherman Avenue

Many trees in the area have been weakened by rain and wind.

We have received numerous reports of a tree down on Sherman Avenue “right past the school.”

The gravel part of Oak Ridge has a tree down that is partially blocking the roadway. It is leaning on a smaller tree that is also expected to fall.

The tree is blocking the road and has made it impassable. Avoid that area if possible.

Road crews have been dispatched but we have no estimate for when the road will be clear.

Tropical Depression Barry has been less intense than anticipated but has still dumped a couple of inches of rain. We anticipate another 3 to 5 inches before Barry moves out, and we remain under a significant threat of flash flooding according to the National Weather Service in Jackson.

City and county first responders, along with employees of Entergy, have been going from call to call since Sunday morning. There have been dozens of roads temporarily blocked by trees and branches, several accidents, one severe, and many downed power lines. If you see downed power lines treat them as live lines and call 911.

Do not cross a roadway with standing water or with water running across it. Most fatalities in a flash flood occur from vehicles attempting to cross roadways that are inundated. Turn around, don’t drown.