Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an executive order Friday afternoon, declaring a state of emergency across Missouri in response to dangerous flash flooding that has inundated the central, south-central and southeastern parts of the state.
The order activates the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan, allowing state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions in affected counties, including Howell and neighboring counties, to expedite disaster 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 in a statement.
Some areas of the state have already recorded between 6 and 12 inches of rain, prompting the National Weather Service to issue rare Flash Flood Emergencies for numerous locations.
Late Friday morning, the National Weather Service office in Springfield updated a flood watch in progress to expand its coverage area and extend hours for certain counties. As of press time, local counties included in the watch, which extends through 7 p.m. today, Saturday, are Howell, Oregon, Shannon, Texas and Wright.
With additional heavy rain expected through the weekend, the state has activated Missouri Task Force 1. The 50-member urban search and rescue team has deployed to affected regions alongside specialized equipment and rescue boats. They are working in tandem with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the State Emergency Management Agency and local first responders.
Forecasters warn that repeated rainfall on already saturated soils could drop an additional 2 to 4 inches of rain through the weekend, making low-water crossings and river basins especially hazardous.
Officials urged particular caution for weekend outdoor recreationists. "If you're camping, floating or spending time near rivers and streams, move to higher ground and stay alert of weather conditions," Kehoe said.
Emergency personnel remind motorists to never attempt to drive through floodwaters. More than half of all flood-related deaths in Missouri involve victims in vehicles. As little as 6 inches of moving water can sweep a person off their feet, and 12 inches can displace most passenger cars.
The executive order is scheduled to expire Aug. 10.
