serious flash flood in the southeast missouri Hundreds were forced to carry out emergency rescue operations on Friday, including airlifting more than 200 children and counselors from summer camps. A woman is still missing after her house was swept away by floods.
Storms set to hit multiple states
The National Weather Service said the severe weather was affecting a wide swath from the Ozark Mountains in southern Missouri to much of the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys. according to Los Angeles TimesThe storms could bring damaging winds, heavy rain and scattered flash flooding across the region, with some areas expected to continue into Sunday.
The Missouri Emergency Management Agency warned that although the storm is moving south and out of the state, more thunderstorms could still cause additional flash flooding, especially in areas that have already received 6 to 12 inches of rain.
The camp later thanked emergency responders in an Instagram post, saying: “We are so grateful for your help in keeping our camp community safe,” the Los Angeles Times reported.
One woman still missing in Crawford County
There have been no reports of major injuries, but a Crawford County woman remains missing after her home was swept away from its foundation by floodwaters.
Sergeant Eddie Young confirmed Saturday that the woman, Faith Gregory, remains the only person missing from the county, which is about 70 miles southwest of St. Louis.
Family and friends said on social media they had resumed the search and urged others to keep an eye out for Gregory and her dog, who they said had also been swept away.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for the area as thunderstorms continued, said Matt Beitscher, chief meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s St. Louis office. “This is a very, very popular recreational location,” Becher said of the affected counties. “So there are campsites out there. There are floating travel sites out there. A lot of vulnerable people are vulnerable to flash flooding,” cbs news.
Also read: Air quality emergency: Massive smoke and dust clouds trigger emergency health alert in these states
State of emergency declared, Red Cross opens shelters
Governor Mike Kehoe declares state of emergency and activated a state search and rescue team to help. He said late Friday that hundreds of people had been rescued from floodwaters, trees, rooftops and trapped vehicles.
Flooding covered several southeastern Missouri counties, including Crawford, Iron, Madison, Reynolds and Wayne counties.
“Once again, Missouri’s first responders answered the call with extraordinary courage, professionalism and compassion to save hundreds of Missourians from dangerous flooding,” Kehoe said in a statement. “As recovery efforts continue and more rainfall is expected, I urge everyone in flood-prone and low-lying areas to remain weather aware, have multiple ways to receive warnings, and be prepared to take protective action,” CBS News reported.
Meanwhile, the American Red Cross opened a shelter in Reynolds County to help people affected by flash flooding. according to Fox 2 nowThe shelter opens Friday at First Baptist Church, 2263 Main St., Centerville. The Red Cross said shelters are providing water, meals, snacks and places to stay. People don’t have to stay overnight to get help.
