SOMERVILLE, TN (abc24.com) - Flood waters have receded and roads now are open in Hardeman County, but the day started much differently. There was a long list of roads that were covered with water that forced Hardeman County Schools to close Monday.
"If it's a close call we will err on the side of safety," stated Warner Ross, Director of Hardeman County Schools. "A couple of things we try to keep in mind is safety of the students and staff members and the bus drivers. A lot of our roads are very rural and low and narrow, especially south in the county."
More than 30 roads in Hardeman County closed due to high water Sunday night. Murphy Lane became a flowing river, trapping residents on the other side with no way out of the neighborhood.
David Sipes with Hardeman County Highway Department said, "It is a very dangerous situation. If somebody had a heart attack an ambulance couldn't have gotten into there."
The Hardeman County Highway Dept. plans to raise Murphy Lane and its bridge four feet to prevent future flooding.
The Hardeman County school district used 1 of its 13 days reserved for bad weather.
School officials decided to also cancel classes Tuesday - this time not for flooding, but for icy roads.
