Governor Mike Kehoe declared a state of emergency in Missouri on Friday after intense storms dumped up to 12 inches of rain, causing catastrophic flash flooding and multiple swift-water rescues across central, south-central, and southeastern regions.
The emergency declaration activates the Missouri state emergency operations plan, allowing state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions to accelerate response efforts.
Severe rainfall totals between 6 and 12 inches have heavily impacted homes, roads, and campgrounds, according to The Guardian.
“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.
State emergency personnel, including the highway patrol, division of fire safety, state parks, and conservation department, are deployed to the hardest-hit areas alongside local first responders.
“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 said.
A specialized state task force comprising 50 highly trained members, rescue boats, and specialized equipment has also been deployed.
“Additional heavy rain [is] expected through the weekend,” Kehoe said, urging residents and outdoor enthusiasts to remain vigilant and seek higher ground immediately.
“If you’re camping, floating, or spending time near rivers and streams, move to higher ground and stay alert of weather conditions,” he added.
Local forecasts remain under close monitor as authorities warn that the severe weather threat persists for numerous communities.
“Missourians should continue to monitor local forecasts and follow the guidance of local authorities,” Kehoe said.
Flash Flood Emergencies and Warnings
The US National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Emergency for parts of Iron and Reynolds counties on Friday.
Forecasters warned that additional rounds of thunderstorms with heavy rains are expected to continue throughout Friday evening, with an extended flood watch in place over the weekend.
Flash flood warnings were also activated for Andrew, Madison, Washington, Buchanan, Crawford, Clinton, DeKalb, and Holt counties as saturated soils increased the risk of sudden inundation.
“The flash flood risk is increasing across southeastern Missouri into the Tennessee Valley for this evening into the overnight hours as rounds of heavy rainfall fall over saturated soils,” said the National Weather Service.
The agency warned that numerous flash floods remain highly likely, advising residents to strictly avoid walking or driving through flooded roadways.
In eastern Missouri, meteorologists recorded immense rainfall totals that caused widespread destruction overnight.
“Additional rainfall is expected in the same area through tonight, and a flood watch remains in effect,” said forecasters at the National Weather Service office in St. Louis.
Meanwhile, the weather office in Kansas City highlighted that while tornadoes and hail are possible, torrential downpours remain the primary danger.
“Damaging winds and heavy rainfall are the primary threats, but hail and a brief tornado cannot be ruled out,” said the National Weather Service office in Kansas City.
Meteorologists expect the fast-moving storm systems to produce highly efficient rainfall capable of worsening the ongoing regional flooding.
“Storms will be efficient producers of torrential rainfall that could lead to flooding,” the office added.
