Another round of heavy rain moved through the Gerald area late last Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning. Four inches of rain fell in just 30 minutes and the rain just kept coming.

Members of the Gerald-Rosebud Fire Protection District (GRFPD) responded to several emergency calls.

U.S. Highway 50 just west of Gerald near Danz Road had water over the roadway due to the sudden flash flooding. Motorists were stranded in their vehicle as the water continued to rise. The GRFPD responded and rescued the motorists.

Trees were down blocking roadways. The GRFPD responded to remove the trees.

Several highway intersections in town were covered with water. The GRFPD responded to place barricades across the roads.

The GRFPD also responded to help pump water from flooded areas.

By the end of the week, the Gerald area had received over 17 inches of water. Throughout it all, the GRFPD did not miss a call.

This volunteer department again acted in the most professional way. Even with water problems of their own to deal with at home, the crews stayed on the job serving their community.

The Gerald Police and the Gerald Ambulance District were also kept busy during the worst of the flooding. No deaths or serious injuries were reported during the flooding.

Items left in yards around town—toys, wading pools, chairs, trash cans—were washed away into drainage ditches downstream from the homes.

Many residents were upset that gravel and rock had washed out of city roads and alleys and onto their property. With such a deluge (the second in as many weeks) there is little that can be done to fight Mother Nature. Undoubtedly, city crews will also spend some extra hours cleaning up the damage from the flash flooding.

The rain has finally stopped and the welcome break will be enjoyed —until the next time.