TRI-STATE AREA -- A landslide is more than a hit song from Fleetwood Mac. Landslides transpire when rock, earth, and debris move down a slope. They are caused by a disruption in the natural stability of a hillside. Heavy rains and droughts are the two most common reasons for why a landside would happen around here.
Landslides occasionally do occur in the Tri-States. Some of Hannibal’s steep terrain, for example, makes it possible for a landslide to happen. This week, rain caused a landslide in the College Hill area in Canton, Missouri. We had seen rainfall of well over an inch after having very dry conditions for several months. The water just wasn’t able to absorb deep enough into the ground before it broke apart soil and caused dirt to slide down the hill.
Even though they are relatively infrequent events in our area, keep in mind to stay away from the site of a recent landslide. When driving, especially during or after a heavy rain, be alert that roads may become blocked or closed from debris or collapsed pavement.
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