Missouri declares state of emergency as flash floods hit central, southern areas

Governor activates emergency plan as 6 to 12 inches of rain cause flash flooding

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe declared a state of emergency on Friday after severe storms and flash flooding prompted multiple swift-water rescues across central, south-central, and southeastern parts of the state. In a news release, Kehoe said the order activates the state emergency operations plan, allowing state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions to expedite assistance.

“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. “Activating the plan allows our agencies to move quickly, coordinate resources, and support local response efforts.”

According to the governor’s office, some areas received between 6 and 12 inches of rain. Kehoe warned that the threat was “not over” and that additional heavy rain was expected through the weekend. He urged residents near rivers and streams to move to higher ground.

The National Weather Service (NWS) on Friday issued a Flash Flood Emergency for parts of Iron and Reynolds counties. The agency said 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 NWS warned that “numerous flash floods are likely” and urged residents to avoid driving or walking through flooded roads.

Flash flood warnings were in effect Friday afternoon for parts of Iron, Reynolds, Andrew, Madison, Washington, Buchanan, Crawford, Clinton, DeKalb, and Holt counties. The NWS office in St. Louis said thunderstorms produced 6 to 12 inches of rain from Thursday night into early Friday morning, resulting in “extensive and catastrophic flash flooding across eastern Missouri.”

The NWS office in Kansas City warned that “damaging winds and heavy rainfall are the primary threats, but hail and a brief tornado cannot be ruled out.” Forecasters said storms would be “efficient producers of torrential rainfall that could lead to flooding.”

Kehoe said the Missouri state highway patrol, state emergency management agency, division of fire safety, Missouri state parks, and Missouri department of conservation are responding alongside local emergency crews. The state’s task force has been activated with 50 highly trained members, specialized equipment, and rescue boats, he said.

“I’m grateful for every first responder and local team member working around the clock to help save lives,” Kehoe said. He said the resources are assisting with flash flooding that has affected homes, roads, and campgrounds. A flood watch remains in effect through the weekend, and officials warned that additional rounds of thunderstorms with heavy rains are expected to continue Friday evening.