County of site: Pulaski County
Location of site: MO Hwy Z, (Old Route 66), at Big Piney River, N. of I-44
"A Pulaski County, Missouri, official said “Devil’s Elbow is gone” during a county commission meeting Monday to assess record flooding in the region.
"Pulaski County Emergency Manager Lawson “Smitty” Smith made that pronouncement about the Route 66 village after the Big Piney River saw record flood levels, according to a report in the Waynesville Daily Guide.
"The story contained more details of the damage from Smith and county commissioner Gene Newkirk:
"Smith said the water in Devils Elbow rose up over the historical Route 66 Devils Elbow bridge and hit the roof
of the Elbow Inn.
"Newkirk said a house “came loose” and crashed into another house. The Daily Guide received a submitted photo
of Sheldon’s Market immersed in water, as well as other photos from Devils Elbow residents of the flood water
as it began to rise.
"KSPR-TV in Springfield, Missouri, posted a video report from Devil’s Elbow on Monday after the floodwaters went down.
"One resident told the station eight feet of water inundated her home. She also said the historic Shelden’s Market, aka Miller’s Market, never before had water in the building, and it too became waterlogged.
"Jax Welborn, a photographer who lives in the region, posted this video from the Devil’s Elbow Bridge. Take note of all the debris — some of it undoubtedly remnants of destroyed houses — jammed against one side of the bridge.
"Driving into Devil’s Elbow isn’t advisable. Via this photo from Pulaski County Emergency Management, floodwaters washed out Route 66 on the west side of town:
"The Elbow Inn posted this message on its Facebook page on Monday night:
"We want to thank ALL who have reached out and offered words of encouragement, prayers and words of support..
At this time we are forming a plan and really don’t have any information to pass. Please understand we appreciate
all of our patrons, friends and family.
"We are not ignoring private messages we just have an overwhelming amount of messages and texts at this time.
BELIEVE WE WILL REACH OUT JUST AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!
"Finally, Mid-Missouri Aerial posted this video of drone footage of the historic Gasconade River Bridge near Hazelgreen just 15 days apart. It’s shocking how much the river rose
"The worst may be over for Devil’s Elbow, but the worst flooding hasn’t happened yet to Route 66 towns along the Meramec River near St. Louis. That river may crest Wednesday or Thursday.
"The damage in Devil’s Elbow is unprecedented, so it’s too early to predict if or when it will recover. However, I wouldn’t bet against the residents of that town. If any sort of methods for aid or a cleanup day is announced, I’ll post it here or in another story." ~ Route 66 News, & KSPR, springfield; by Ron Warnick, May 2, 2017