In spite of predictions of severe flooding and other weather-related difficulties, St. Clair County largely avoided any flood problems, according to Ellen Haynes.

“As dire as the National Weather Service had predicted, our roads have held up pretty well,” said Haynes, the director of the county’s Emergency Management Association. “They’re holding their own.”

Over the past week, St. Clair County, along with most of the rest of the state, has received torrents of rain. Most notably, clouds dumped an estimated 5 inches in the Leeds area on Thursday, Sept. 17.

Police chief Ted Cook said some businesses sustained water damage, but nothing severe.

“We did receive a lot of calls,” he said. “We had a lot of street blockage and a couple of cars caught up.”

Elsewhere in the county, officials said basically the same thing – a great deal of rain did fall, and some flooding did occur, but there were no serious problems.

“It was nothing like it was in other parts of the state, anyway,” said Haynes.

Haynes all wished to remind those who might be in the weather that serious incidents could occur in what appeared to be minor circumstances.

“As little as 6 inches of fast-moving water can sweep you off your feet,” she said. “And as little 1.5-2 feet of water can move your car.”

Christine Arnold, the Service Center Manager for St. Clair and Blount County chapters of the Red Cross, said her office hadn’t received any calls as far as she knew, but she advised anyone to do so.

“We have a protocol,” she said. “If it’s water in their basement, then we may not be able to do anything – but if people have water in their living area, we definitely can help.

“And if they don’t call, then we don’t know.”

Anyone in need of assistance can call either the Red Cross at 884-1221 or the EMA at 884-6800.