A heavy downpour Friday afternoon caused flash flooding in Russell.
Water got into homes and businesses and covered roads, creating a traffic nightmare.
“We had several feet of water come up in a matter of about 20 minutes,” said Bob Nolan, assistant chief with the Russell Fire Department. “We had to shut off gas to some homes in downtown Russell due to basement flooding.”
Nolan says as per usual, several drivers tried to get through high water -- with predictable results. “We’ve done several water rescues on Diederich Boulevard,” he said. “They don’t understand a couple inches of water will float your car, and they’re driving into feet of water.”
Dr. Amy Bess owns the Bellefonte Animal Hospital. “It was up past my knees,” she said.