Water recedes as local residents begin cleanup

A resident begins removing furniture from his home at Lilbourn. Heavy rains early Monday morning flooded many local communities. (Jill Bock, Staff)

NEW MADRID -- As water began to recede Tuesday, some residents in New Madrid County began cleanup efforts.

New Madrid County Sheriff Terry Stevens said unofficially 8 1/2 inches of rainfall was recorded from late Sunday to early Monday morning in New Madrid.

"That much rain falling within such a compact time frame overwhelmed the drainage system," the sheriff said.

As a result, flash flooding occurred throughout the county. On Tuesday, water was draining off slowly, the Stevens said.

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