Missouri has declared a state of emergency in response to severe storms and flash flooding affecting the state’s central, south-central, and south-eastern regions. Governor Mike Kehoe announced the order, activating the Missouri state emergency operations plan to allow state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions and expedite emergency assistance.
Swift-Water Rescues and Activation of State Resources
According to a news release from the governor's office, intense storms over the past 24 hours have created dangerous flash flooding across several regions, resulting in multiple swift-water rescues. Kehoe stated, “Activating the 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.”
Kehoe warned that the threat is not over, with additional heavy rain expected through the weekend. He urged residents to move to higher ground if camping, floating, or spending time near rivers and streams, and to stay alert to weather conditions and follow local authorities' guidance.
Rainfall Totals and Affected Agencies
The governor’s office reported that some areas have received between 6 and 12 inches of rain. Agencies responding include the Missouri state highway patrol, state emergency management agency, division of fire safety, Missouri state parks, and Missouri department of conservation, working alongside local emergency responders to assist with flash flooding affecting homes, roads, and campgrounds. The state’s task force has also been activated, deploying 50 highly trained members with specialized equipment and rescue boats.
National Weather Service Warnings
On Friday, the US National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Flash Flood Emergency for parts of Iron and Reynolds counties, warning of additional rounds of thunderstorms with heavy rains continuing through Friday evening, with an extended flood watch over the weekend. As of Friday afternoon, flash flood warnings were in effect for parts of Iron, Reynolds, Andrew, Madison, Washington, Buchanan, Crawford, Clinton, DeKalb, and Holt counties.
The NWS stated that “the flash flood risk is increasing across south-eastern Missouri into the Tennessee Valley for this evening into the overnight hours as rounds of heavy rainfall fall over saturated soils.” The agency warned that “numerous flash floods are likely” and urged residents to stay alert and avoid driving or walking through flooded roads.
Extensive and Catastrophic Flooding
The NWS office in St Louis reported that thunderstorms produced between 6 and 12 inches of rain from Thursday night into early Friday morning, resulting in “extensive and catastrophic flash flooding across eastern Missouri.” Forecasters noted that additional rainfall is expected in the same area through the night, with a flood watch remaining in effect.
Meanwhile, the NWS in Kansas City warned that “damaging winds and heavy rainfall are the primary threats, but hail and a brief tornado cannot be ruled out.” The office added that “storms will be efficient producers of torrential rainfall that could lead to flooding.”
