Just One Way In, Out Of Hayti Due To Flooding

HAYTI, SD - The forecast of rain and snow is the exact opposite of what everyone in Hamlin County is hoping for.

The flooding situation around Lake Marsh is only increasing in severity and promises to get worse before there are any improvements.

Hamlin County has had a tough spring. As the snow melted down, road closed signs went up. And even now, more and more roads are falling victim to the rising and rushing water.

On the edge of Hayti, you'll find water and more water. The flooded Lake Marsh is trying to drain but that's causing problems.

"The road situation in Hamlin County has not improved at all. Nearly every day we continue to see more roads closed or washed out," Hamlin County Emergency Manager Dave Schaeffer said.

The highway headed south out of Hayti is closed, as are the roads headed west and north. That leaves just one way in and out of town.

"From Hayti northwest, clear up into the Hazel area, there's hardly any roads that are actually fit to be traveled. Many, many of them are closed," Schaeffer said.

The issues from the rushing water don't end with roads. The current is washing out a bank that used to cover a yellow pipe. That's a natural gas line.
 
More banking is washing out near homes. The property owner dumped 3,000 sandbags along the edge Wednesday night to try to slow the erosion. Two homes sit just feet away, something the Emergency Management Director says he wishes would change before it's too late.



"We've had conversations with the owner. I wish he'd move it," Schaeffer said.