“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 State Emergency Operations 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.”
State officials said multiple agencies, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol, State Emergency Management Agency, Division of Fire Safety, Missouri State Parks, and the Missouri Department of Conservation, have been deployed to assist local responders. Missouri Task Force 1, a specialized urban search-and-rescue team, has also been activated with 50 personnel, boats, and equipment.
The emergency declaration follows days of severe weather beginning Thursday that produced heavy rainfall, strong winds, hail, and flooding, creating hazards that exceed some local response capabilities, according to the text of Executive Order 26-16.
“With additional heavy rain expected through the weekend, the threat is not over. If you're camping, floating, or spending time near rivers and streams, move to higher ground and stay alert of weather conditions,” Kehoe said. “Missourians should continue to monitor local forecasts and follow the guidance of local authorities.”
Officials urged residents to take precautions, emphasizing that even shallow floodwaters can be deadly. Just six inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet, and about one foot can sweep vehicles away. More than half of flood-related deaths in Missouri involve vehicles.
The Weather Prediction Center and National Weather Service also warned residents not to drive or walk into flooded roadways and to have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts, especially overnight.
The state of emergency will remain in effect through Aug. 10 unless extended.