Ozark Federal Credit Union, a $58 million-asset institution based in Poplar Bluff in southeastern Missouri, found itself in the middle of severe weather that smashed through parts of the South and the Plains regions over the weekend.
“We have had all six counties of our field of membership affected by the storm, but I will say, the people in our communities have stepped up and assisted those in need,” Davine Conover, business development specialist at Ozark FCU, told Credit Union Journal. “We have had several of our staff and family members [living] in fear of flooding, and one that has had her home invaded by four feet of water.”
Conover indicated that Ozark FCU had to close its Dexter branch on Monday afternoon due to road closings. “Local levee breaks prevented more roads from closing, but at the cost of more homes being flooded,” she said. “Our staff shuffled to cover all the other Ozark FCU branches as we saw the need.”
According to The Weather Channel, at least 20 people died in floods triggered by massive storms that barreled across Arkansas and Missouri and nearby states in a wild weekend. So far, three storm-related deaths have been recorded specifically in southeastern Missouri. There have also been numerous reports of road closures, evacuation orders and rescues of trapped civilians across the region.
Conover added that Kirk Mondy, the credit union’s president, kept in touch with the local disaster team and directed assistance to members and staff “as needed.”
In the town of Piedmont, most of the damage is expected around the dam overflow, she indicated.
“For Ozark FCU, all our branches were safe from the storm,” she added. “I am grateful we were able to assist those who were not as fortunate.”
Missouri Governor Eric Greitens has declared a state of emergency for all of southern Missouri.
However, there is even more trouble coming -- as more heavy rain is approaching the Ozarks and mid-Mississippi Valley.
“The final test of Mother Nature will be on Thursday,” warned Conover. “That is after all the additional rain, and water is released from two area dams take place. Clearwater Dam is expected to crest tomorrow [Wednesday] and our branch manager and staff were encouraged to sandbag their homes in Piedmont.”
Conover also said that the water has receded about six inches from other areas, and “we are hoping the wind will continue to assist in helping the water dissipate a bit more before the second series of rain comes in tomorrow.”
