Photo credit: Jackson Co Sheriff's Office

(KAIR)--Flooding in Jackson County triggered two separate water rescues Friday morning, and officials are warning drivers to stay off damaged and flooded roads throughout the northern part of the county.

According to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, crews, around 2:55 Friday morning, first responded to US-75 at Muddy Creek after reports of a person in the water. Floodwaters had overtaken the highway north of the bridge, with a truck and fifth wheel trailer and a passenger car in the east ditch. Both drivers climbed onto the trailer as water continued to rise, eventually moving to the gooseneck section as the deck flooded beneath them.

Netawaka Rural Fire District 6, Holton Fire, Sabetha Fire, Soldier Township Fire, and Topeka Fire all responded, along with a swift water rescue team from Shawnee County. The Sabetha team successfully pulled both people to safety, with Topeka Fire assisting on the second rescue. Jackson County EMS evaluated both patients on scene.

Less than four hours later, Sheriff Morse says responders were called to another vehicle swept off the roadway. Around 6:30 Friday morning, a woman was swept off Q.4 Road just north of Elk Creek and south of 238th Road. Holton Fire, Jackson County EMS, Holton Police, and the Jackson County Sheriff's Office responded. Fire personnel rescued the woman from her vehicle. No injuries were reported.

Q.4 Road has since been closed by the City of Holton and Jackson County. Sheriff Morse says many county roads in northern Jackson County have sustained significant damage and some have been completely washed out. Drivers are urged to avoid flooded roadways entirely.