UPDATE: Storm system dumps heavy rain on Sheppard Published Aug. 19, 2008 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Sheppard Air Force Base personnel and families began mopping up the mess Tuesday morning after more than 5.5 inches of rain fell in about 24 hours. According to local weather reports, a low-level system moved over the top of central Wichita County, including Sheppard and nearby Burkburnett. The 80th Operations Support Squadron's weather flight reported about 2.8 inches of rain fell Aug. 18, followed by another 2.7 inches in the early morning hours of Aug. 19., causing several road closures within the vicinity of the base and delaying arrival time for active duty, civilians and contractors for two hours. Three families were evacuated due to rising water in the new privatized housing area Wind Creek Estates. In addition to flooding in the housing area, high water halted military flying operations, but civilian air traffic will continue. Flood waters also rose to the axles of eight fuel trucks on the south end of the aircraft ramp. Several facilities on Sheppard received damage as a result of the heavy rain, including some with about 3-5 inches of standing water in rooms, collapsed ceilings and damaged carpet. Bldg. 596, an Airman in Training dormitory, had standing water in its mechanical room and no air conditioner following the storms. According to reports from the 82nd Civil Engineer Squadron, the Mini-Mall's game room and alterations shop received the brunt of the damage. Reports of collapsed ceilings were also noted at the Airman's Club and Bldg. 1923. CE crews are working to repair the most severely damaged buildings and moving down to those with minor problems. Damage has been prioritized by "emergency," "urgent" and "routine." More information will follow as it becomes available.