MOUNT VERNON — Recent storms in Mt. Vernon with high winds have resulted in downed trees and branches across town.

Due to the strong storm, the City of Mt. Vernon will have a temporary suspension of the City Ordinance banning open burning of landscape waste excluding leaves.

Residents will be allowed to burn branches and limb waste resulting from recent storm activity for a 7-day period beginning May 14, 2016 to May 21, 2016.

The debris must be burnt only on the property from which it fell and must be done during the time period of 8:00 a.m. to dusk.

Burning in the gutters or on the roadway surface is not permitted and the fire must be supervised at all time.

The aftermath of the storms have also left some area roadways flooded. Don’t try to cross flooded roadways. Turn around and find another route.

Marion County authorities have responded to at least two incidents since last night, when motorists became stranded in floodwaters on a local roadway.