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Dozens rescued, 5 campers missing in Reynolds County flash flooding
First Alert 4 • • nation
Key Points:
- Heavy overnight rain caused significant flash flooding in Iron, Reynolds, and Crawford counties south of St. Louis, prompting deployment of specialized swift water rescue teams from the St. Louis region.
- Approximately 50 people were rescued by Friday morning, but five campers remain missing at Bearcat Getaway; rescue operations faced challenges including damaged boats and rescuers entering floodwaters.
- Multiple roads, including Missouri Route 21 and Highway K near Annapolis, are closed due to water depths reaching four to five feet, with flooding making key bridges impassable.
- The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency for northwest and southern Iron County and northeast Reynolds County, urging residents to seek higher ground immediately due to dangerous conditions and heavy rainfall of 5 to 9 inches.
- Local authorities and schools, such as Lesterville R-IV School District, are providing safe shelter options for those affected by the flooding.
