Missouri Activates Emergency Plan After Flash Flooding Hits Multiple Counties

Missouri has declared a state of emergency after severe storms and flash flooding struck central, south-central, and south-eastern regions of the state. The declaration activates the Missouri state emergency operations plan, allowing state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions for emergency assistance.

Over the past 24 hours, intense storms produced dangerous flash flooding that prompted multiple swift-water rescues, officials said. A 50-member taskforce equipped with specialized equipment and rescue boats has been deployed to affected areas. State highway patrol, emergency management, fire safety, state parks, and conservation department personnel are assisting local responders with flooding that has affected homes, roads, and campgrounds.

Flash flood warnings remain in effect for parts of Iron, Reynolds, Andrew, Madison, Washington, Buchanan, Crawford, Clinton, DeKalb, and Holt counties. Thunderstorms produced between 6 and 12 inches of rain from Thursday night into early Friday morning, causing extensive flash flooding across eastern Missouri.

Officials warned that additional heavy rain is expected through the weekend and urged residents near rivers and streams to move to higher ground. People were advised to avoid driving or walking through flooded roads and to monitor local forecasts.