Missouri rescues continue as flash flooding inundates counties

Rescuers pulled people from floodwaters across Missouri on Friday after intense storms dumped up to a foot of rain in parts of the state, collapsing a campground structure, swamping roads and prompting Gov. Mike Kehoe to declare a state of emergency.

The flooding hit central, south-central and southeastern Missouri, with some of the most urgent rescues in Reynolds County along the Black River. At Bearcat Getaway campground in Lesterville, about 125 miles south of St. Louis, roughly 20 people were on a structure when it collapsed and sent many of them into the floodwaters, Sgt. Eddie Young of the Missouri Highway Patrol said at a news conference.

All of them have been accounted for and are OK, Young said. The Reynolds County Sheriff’s Office had earlier said five missing campers at the same location had been found. During rescue operations, two boats carrying first responders capsized, but everyone on board was rescued and safe, the sheriff’s office said.

“We are thankful that no serious injuries have been reported,” the office said.

First responders have carried out more than 90 rescues in the area, the sheriff’s office said. Water rescues were also underway in southern Crawford County, according to the Missouri Highway Patrol. Authorities said operations were continuing Friday evening.

“We’re not done,” Young said. “And the resources are not finished coming into this area and the affected areas.”

Kehoe’s emergency order activated the Missouri state emergency operations plan, allowing state agencies to coordinate directly with local officials and speed emergency assistance. The governor’s office said some areas received between 6 and 12 inches of rain.

“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. I’m grateful for every first responder and local team member working around the clock to help save lives.”

Kehoe said the Missouri State Highway Patrol, State Emergency Management Agency, Division of Fire Safety, Missouri State Parks and Missouri Department of Conservation were responding with local emergency crews to flooding that affected homes, roads and campgrounds. He said the state task force had deployed 50 highly trained members with specialized equipment and rescue boats.

“This is an unfolding event and we’re going to stay here and serve the citizens of Missouri until we get the job done,” said Ernie Rhodes, leader of Missouri Task Force 1, a federal search-and-rescue cooperative.

The National Weather Service issued flash flood emergency notices for parts of Iron and Reynolds counties, including northwest and southern Iron County and northeast Reynolds County. Flash flood warnings were also in effect Friday afternoon for parts of Iron, Reynolds, Andrew, Madison, Washington, Buchanan, Crawford, Clinton, DeKalb and Holt counties.

Forecasters said thunderstorms produced 6 to 12 inches of rain from Thursday night into early Friday in eastern Missouri, causing “extensive and catastrophic flash flooding.” NBC News reported that the weather service measured 6 to 11 inches during the day Friday, and officials said as much as 6 more inches was possible Friday night.

The weather service said a cold front moving east was pushing cooler air into summer heat, fueling thunderstorms and flash flooding. In Reynolds County, the threat of more flash flooding “remains the top concern through Saturday,” the agency said. Areas already flooded Friday were considered most vulnerable to additional flooding, with storms expected to move east Sunday.

Kehoe warned residents that the danger was “not over” and that more heavy rain was expected through the weekend. “If you’re camping, floating, or spending time near rivers and streams, move to higher ground and stay alert of weather conditions,” he said. “Missourians should continue to monitor local forecasts and follow the guidance of local authorities.”