Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe declared a state of emergency Friday in response to severe flash flooding that has impacted central, south-central, and southeastern regions of the state. The declaration activates the State Emergency Operations Plan to facilitate resource coordination and support local response efforts.
Emergency services conducted more than 90 water rescues involving residents, campers, and motorists who were affected by the rapidly rising floodwaters. In Reynolds County, between 10 and 17 individuals who had sought shelter on the roof of a building were safely rescued after the structure collapsed into the floodwaters. Authorities confirmed that five campers reported missing from Bearcat Getaway Campground were located and accounted for.
Taum Sauk Campsite Evacuation
At the Taum Sauk campsite in neighboring Iron County, approximately 168 teenagers and 60 adults were airlifted by National Guard helicopters. The evacuation was prompted by rising water levels, which followed rainfall exceeding 12 inches in the area. Officials reported no deaths or missing persons related to the Taum Sauk incident, although many people remain stranded due to washed-out roads and significant damage to buildings and trees.
Ongoing Search and Weather Concerns
In Crawford County, one person remains missing, and search efforts were suspended overnight, set to resume Saturday morning. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that rescue operations began early Friday morning after numerous campers were reported trapped. A flash flood emergency has been declared for several locations across Missouri, with additional thunderstorms and heavy rain anticipated throughout the weekend.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for excessive rainfall, with a moderate risk (Level 3 of 4) in southeastern Missouri and a slight risk (Level 2 of 4) extending from the Mid-Mississippi Valley to the Central Appalachians. A Flood Watch remains in effect for over 21 million people across multiple states, including Missouri.
Officials are urging residents to avoid driving through floodwaters, emphasizing that even shallow water can sweep a person away or move a vehicle. The governor's office noted that more than half of flood-related fatalities in Missouri occur in vehicles, and nighttime storms pose a particular danger due to reduced visibility. Residents are advised to move to higher ground if they encounter floodwaters and to monitor local weather forecasts and official guidance.