Gravel roads and low-water crossings after rain

Driving around Texas County often means gravel roads, private roads, and low-water crossings. These crossings dip down to cross creeks that feed the Big Piney, Gasconade, and Current river systems. In the Ozarks, water at a crossing can rise fast after heavy rain. If a crossing is covered with water, treat it as a stop sign. Do not drive into water when you cannot see how deep it is. The National Weather Service has a simple rule for this: Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Even a foot of moving water can sweep a car away.

Before you head out, check the weather and road conditions, especially in spring. The National Weather Service issues flash-flood watches and warnings. MoDOT’s traveler information shows closures and conditions on state routes. If you are buying property, ask who maintains the gravel or private road that reaches it. Confirm year-round access before you count on it, since some parcels sit far from a paved road.