MARION COUNTY, IL — Rains overnight Monday and into Tuesday morning have been wreaking havoc on our listening area across southern Illinois.

The City of Salem and other Emergency Management Agencies have reported water on the pavement in many area locations including;

-Route 37 near Cartter Road south of Salem. That area remains closed.

-Route 37, North of Kell Road has water across the road and there is high water reported on the same highway near Basom Road.

-The Northbound ramp for I-57 from West Main Street in Salem is impassable due to water on the road.

-West Whitaker and Cross Creek Blvd. are experiencing wast-deep water and flooding.

-The 200 Block of South Hotze is flooded south of the railroad tracks.

-Kell Street East of South College is also impassable.

The United Way of South Central Illinois says with the area storm and flood damage, many of the residents in their service area are in urgent need of assistance. To ensure that everyone affected receives the help they need, UWSCI is encouraging those impacted to contact 211 for support and resources. If you have further questions or concerns, please dial 2-1-1 or contact Executive Director of UWSCI, Natalie Shook at 618-242-8000.

Emergency Management Agencies are urging you to remain cautious while driving or not travel unless absolutely necessary until the rain stops and flooding recedes. While there aren’t always fast-moving currents over the roadways, do not drive through areas with deep standing water as it can cause your vehicle to stall. It’s not worth ruining your engine by driving through it. Turn around, don’t drown.