In response to historic flooding in some areas of the state, Gov. Jay Nixon mobilized the Missouri National Guard to protect local communities and support emergency response personnel.
The Guard is mobilizing a task force with several hundred Soldiers and Airmen in several different locations across the state to provide defense support of civil authorities by saving lives, protecting property, and maintaining public order, said Maj. Gen. Steve Danner, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard.
“The Citizen Soldiers and Airmen of the Missouri National Guard are once again ready to support fellow Missourians in need,” said Danner. “We will provide the same high-quality emergency response they’ve come to expect.”
Missouri National Guard liaison officers are on the way to emergency operations centers in Perry, St. Charles, Cape Girardeau, Jefferson, St. Louis and Franklin counties, where the flood stage of the Mississippi River is expected to exceed the 1993 record levels in the coming days.
While on duty, Missouri Guard members are expected to take on a number of missions in support of local authorities, to include directing traffic away from road closures, providing security around breached levees and evacuated areas, sandbagging, levee monitoring, said Danner.
“We have a team of seasoned leaders who are well versed in responding to state emergencies,” said Danner. “Your Missouri National Guard has supported 14 state emergencies since 2009, including major flooding in 2011.”
The evacuation of West Alton has already taken place as a result of the flooding.
Hundreds of roads have been closed across Missouri, including in St. Louis and all lanes of I-44 at Jerome near Rolla. In addition, 124 areas on rivers in Missouri are in various flood stages.
Local officials in Perryville have been working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to fortify the Bois Brule levee on the Mississippi River to protect area homes and businesses, including Sabreliner Corporation and Gilster-Mary Lee.
Missouri Highway Patrol issues public safety notice |
The Missouri Highway Patrol has issued a public safety notice regarding the flooding of the Missouri River.
The release states, over the course of the last several days, heavy rains have caused extensive flash flooding throughout Missouri and has led to many roadway closures. Highway Patrol encourages motorists to never drive through water-covered roads; even a small amount of fast-moving water can sweep a vehicle off the roadway.
For your safety and that of your passengers, drivers are reminded to stay alert while driving in areas known to flood.
Drivers must respect barriers or barricades put in place by MoDOT or other officials. It is extremely dangerous and a violation of state law to drive around them. If your vehicle would happen to become stuck in rising water, get out quickly and move to higher ground.
Highway Patrol also urges motorists to be vigilant of water across roadways, including those which rarely experience such conditions.
Recognizing these conditions is particularly difficult after dark, so it is imperative drivers utilize extreme caution to assure safe passage to their destination.
Flooding from recent rains has already claimed 15 lives in Missouri alone.
Missouri Department of Transportation road conditions may be accessed through the Highway Patrol’s website.
These flooding conditions are changing rapidly and driver caution is critical.
The release states, approximately 63 percent of Missouri fatal crash victims who are required to be restrained are NOT at the time of the traffic crash.
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