Roads closed around Crowe's, Oakalla bridges

High water on Big Walnut Creek had a number of roads closed in Putnam County Sunday evening.

As of 9 p.m., roads in the area of Crowe's Bridge and Oakalla Covered Bridge were closed.

Crowe's Bridge is located on County Road 100 East in northeastern Greencastle Township. Oakalla Bridge is on County Road 375 West in southwestern Madison Township.

Water was also across the road in the area of Dunbar Covered Bridge, but the road was already closed for bridge construction in the area.

Although the most recent rainfall occurred early Sunday morning, the most heavy precipitation along Big Walnut occurred upstream in northern Putnam County and Montgomery County.

According to data from the National Weather Service, the creek has already crested in upstream portions, while it remains on the rise downstream.

In Jackson Township, Big Walnut crested at 1 p.m. Sunday at a depth of 15.32 feet, more than five feet above flood stage.

Meanwhile, the creek continues to rise at Reelsville, the nearest observation point to the worst flooded areas. At 8:30 p.m., the stream was at 13.34 feet, well above the 12-foot flood stage.

With rainfall expected to continue in the coming days, Big Walnut could top 16 feet at Reelsville by Tuesday, according to National Weather Service projections.