Following hundreds of life-saving water rescues during historic flash flooding late last week across south-central Missouri, Gov. Mike Kehoe praised the coordination of local responders, state emergency agencies and the Missouri National Guard.
Intense storms dropped 12 inches or more of rain within a matter of hours starting overnight on Friday. The downpours heavily impacted Crawford, Iron, Madison, Reynolds and Wayne counties, triggering what meteorologists classified as a 1-in-1,000-year rainfall event in some of these locations.
“Missouri’s first responders once again answered the call with extraordinary bravery, professionalism and compassion, rescuing hundreds of Missourians from dangerous floodwaters," Kehoe said. “As recovery efforts continue and additional rain is expected, I urge everyone in flood-prone and low-lying areas to stay weather-aware.”
The historic flooding prompted more than 200 water rescues throughout the region. First responders pulled stranded individuals from vehicles, rooftops, trees and rapidly rising currents. Five West Plains Fire Department employees were among those assisting.
As part of the emergency response, Kehoe activated the Missouri National Guard to execute a mass air evacuation at Camp Taum Sauk in Lesterville. Stranded by encroaching floodwaters, 202 children and camp counselors were airlifted to safety by eight UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. The 35 crew members transported the campers to Arcadia Valley Elementary School, where emergency personnel reunited them with their families.
The governor also deployed Missouri Task Force 1, the state’s urban search and rescue team. The task force expanded its presence to 78 personnel in the region and accounted for more than 100 individual rescues.
Regional river systems felt the immediate brunt of the storm. Near Annapolis, the Black River was forecast to crest at a record level of more than 28 feet.
High-water evacuations for stranded residents continue through the weekend. The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop G, which serves nine counties in the south-central Missouri region, is directing anyone needing to report a missing person to call 417-469-3121.
The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated at a Level 3. Personnel from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Highway Patrol, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), the Department of Conservation and the Division of Fire Safety are actively coordinating resources.
Public safety officials warned motorists that many local roads, state parks and private campgrounds remain closed due to severe washout damage and continued flooding. Drivers are urged to consult the MoDOT Traveler Map before attempting to travel.
With the threat of midweek storms, emergency personnel remind the public never to drive through flooded areas. More than half of all flood-related fatalities in Missouri occur within vehicles. Officials noted that 6 inches of moving water can sweep a person off their feet, and 12 inches can easily displace a passenger vehicle, making nighttime travel exceptionally hazardous due to reduced visibility.
