Gov. Kehoe declares state of emergency amid flash flood emergency in SE Missouri
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kehoe declared emergency for central, south-central and southeastern Missouri.
- Missouri Task Force 1 deployed 50 members with rescue boats and specialized equipment.
- The NWS reported between 6 and 11 inches of rain with an additional 1 inch possible.
Gov. Mike Kehoe on Friday declared a state of emergency as dangerous flash flooding hit central, south-central and southeastern portions of Missouri.
“Over the past 24 hours, intense storms have created dangerous flash flooding across several regions of Missouri, resulting in multiple swift-water rescues,” Kehoe said in a news release posted to the governor’s website.
“Activating the State Emergency Operations Plan allows our agencies to move quickly, coordinate resources, and support local response efforts. I’m grateful for every first responder and local team member working around the clock to help save lives,” according to the news release.
With additional heavy rain expected through the weekend, the threat is not over, Kehoe said. He encouraged those camping, floating or spending time near rivers and streams to move to higher ground and to monitor weather conditions.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol, State Emergency Management Agency, Division of Fire Safety, Missouri State Parks, and Missouri Department of Conservation have responded to impacted areas and were working with local emergency responders to assist with the flash flooding that has affected homes, roads, and campgrounds.
Some areas have seen 6 to 12 inches of rain. Missouri Task Force 1 has been activated and is deployed with 50 highly trained members, specialized equipment, and rescue boats, the governor said.
The National Weather Service declared a flash flood emergency for numerous locations in northwest and southern Iron County and northeast Reynolds County in southeast Missouri.
The flash flood emergency was issued at 4:46 a.m. and last updated at 1:46 p.m., saying local law enforcement reported flash flooding across area. Between 6 and 11 inches of rain have fallen, and an additional 1 inch of rain was possible.
“This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!” the weather service said. Life-threatening flash flooding of low water crossings, small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses was occurring or was imminent.
Areas affected by the flood emergency included Viburnum, Annapolis, Glover, Oates, Bixby, Lesterville, Black, Hogan, Chloride and Sabula, as well as Johnsons Shut-Ins State Park and Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.
Kehoe urged people to never attempt to drive through floodwaters, even if it appears shallow. Six inches of floodwater can sweep a person off their feet, and as little as a foot of water can move cars off the road. More than half of flood deaths in Missouri are victims in vehicles.
The executive order is set to expire on Aug. 10.
