Heavy rain causes severe flooding in Central Illinois town

Posted on August 13, 2021

*The National Weather Service said essentially every road was “impassable” Thursday afternoon as authorities pleaded with the public to avoid unnecessary travel. (Facebook/Illinois Weather)*

GIBSON CITY – Nearly all roads in the Ford County community of Gibson City were impassable because of flooding on Thursday.

In some places, water on the roads was several feet deep.

Doppler radar estimated 11.4 inches of rain fell in an area just southeast of Gibson City, which is about 35 miles east of Bloomington.

The National Weather Service said essentially every road was “impassable” Thursday afternoon as authorities pleaded with the public to avoid unnecessary travel.

The city government said a boil order was in effect because power had been shut off at the water tower.

“We will be under a boil order for some time, as testing will be required before we can resume use,” the city said on its social media page.

Also, the American Legion in downtown Gibson City was open as a shelter, and free meals were being provided for city workers, first responders, and displaced residents.

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