While surrounding communities were hit with excessive damage thanks to weekend rains that resulted in flooding and damage from flooding, DeWitt County was spared from many of these occurrences.

DeWitt County EMA Director Micah Gallardo indicates to Regional Radio News the most severe weather came late in the afternoon Saturday when there were reports of rotation and conditions were favorable for a tornado that resulted in sirens being sounded thanks to a storm in the Kenney area. 

Despite that storm and many others throughout the weekend, the only issues that faced DeWitt County authorities related to flooding.

The Department of Natural Resources responded to a report of a stranded kayaker at around 4 pm on Saturday. Authorities indicate two male kayakers were on Salt Creek and about a mile away from the bridge of Farmers Bridge Road, one kayaker had fallen out of his kayak and was stranded holding onto a tree for safety. The other kayaker was able to make it to shore safely.

DNR authorities arrived on the scene first but Clinton Fire crews were able to pull the individual to safety thanks to their active water safety training.

Along with DNR and Clinton Fire crews, Wapella Fire, the DeWitt County Sheriff's Office, and DeWitt County EMS were on scene. 

DNR authorities also remind that Clinton Lake is closed due to water levels being high and the water being very active. They hope those water levels to stabilize in just a few days but with more rain in the forecast, they warn it could be up to a week.

Authorities ask the public to never try and cross a flooded roadway, reminding of the slogan, "turn around, don't drown." 

DNR authorities encourage recreation boaters and kayakers to stay off the water right now.