For about 10 minutes the entrance to the Southwest Diner (6803 Southwest Avenue) was surrounded by flood waters Friday morning as remnants of tropical storm Bill dumped on St. Louis.
General manager, Cedric Aubuchon, said as the rain was coming down they could see it starting to accumulate down the street, “and within 10 minutes—almost felt like a flash flood—it was elevating very quickly to the front door.”
The water didn’t make it into the restaurant, but did go down drains and into the basement, where electrical equipment and supplies are kept. Aubuchon said they were able to elevate things, so there was minimal damage.
He said they’ll have the water vacuumed out and will reopen within a day or two. He said they have insurance.
The restaurant owners were on vacation in Florida with their newborn baby when the flood came, Aubuchon said.
