Governor declares state of emergency due to flooding

Heavy rain and flooding across the state have prompted Gov. Jay Nixon to declare a state of emergency in Missouri.

"As significant flooding continues to impact large portions of the state, I have directed state emergency management personnel and the Missouri State Highway Patrol to take action to assist local communities and protect the public," Nixon said in a news release. "With more heavy rain in the forecast, we will continue to remain in direct contact with law enforcement and local officials as we work to protect lives and property."

Heavy rain is forecast to fall through the weekend and is associated with Tropical Depression Bill, now making its way through Texas, according to the National Weather Service's National Hurricane Center.

Rising floodwaters from the Mississippi River Diversion Channel reach into a cornfield Thursday near Allenville. (Fred Lynch)

At least one drowning has been reported in connection with the flooding in Missouri, according to Nixon's office.

The Mississippi River's predicted crest has been inching up over the past several days. Thursday afternoon's forecast showed a predicted crest of 44.5 feet at Cape Girardeau, expected to be reached Tuesday morning. That was an increase of a foot over Wednesday's prediction of a 43.5-foot crest. Both the Broadway and Themis Street floodgates have been closed.

A number of other, smaller Missouri waterways are expected to hit major flood stage, including the Meramec, Bourbeuse and Cuivre rivers and Dardenne Creek, Nixon's release said.

On Wednesday, the area's flood warning was upgraded from moderate to major severity for Cape Girardeau and Thebes, Illinois, according to the National Weather Service. Counties affected are Cape Girardeau, Perry and Scott in Missouri and Alexander, Jackson and Union in Illinois.

The Mississippi River at Thebes is forecast to crest at 43 feet Tuesday afternoon, the National Weather Service indicates. The city's flood stage is 33 feet.

Cairo, Illinois, which has a flood stage of 40 feet, is predicted to crest at 45 feet Thursday.

The National Weather Service at Paducah, Kentucky, has issued a flash-flood watch that remains in effect in Southeast Missouri until 7 a.m. Saturday.

Tonight's forecast calls for numerous thunderstorms, with the primary concern being heavy rain and lightning.

The remnants of Bill are expected to bring heavy rain to much of the region, leading to the possibility of flash flooding tonight into Saturday. The National Weather Service also indicated isolated strong or severe storms capable of strong winds and hail are possible over the weekend.

The Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan has been activated, which allows state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions on emergency services, the governor's release stated.

Nixon's executive order ends July 18 unless extended before then.

The governor's office encourages Missouri residents needing shelter or disaster information or referrals to call 211, a service of the United Way of Missouri and Illinois.

kwebster@semissourian.com

388-3646

Pertinent address:

Jefferson City, MO