What We Know: Heavy rain and flash flooding triggered water rescues and campground evacuations across parts of central and southeast Missouri Friday.
What’s Next: The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency activated Missouri Task Force One as flooding quickly worsened. In Lesterville, campers were evacuated after the Black River rose rapidly. The Sullivan Fire Department carried out several water rescues, and emergency crews reported multiple homes were submerged.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is urging drivers to avoid unnecessary travel south of Interstate 44 and west of Interstate 55 while floodwaters remain high.
Anyone planning to visit Mark Twain National Forest or Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park should check on campground, lodging or float trip reservations before traveling.
Forecasters say more rounds of heavy rain are possible through the weekend, raising the risk of additional flooding along rivers, creeks and other low-lying areas.
People are encouraged to stay weather aware and never drive through flooded roadways.
(Photo provided by Envat)