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Southeastern Missouri slammed by devastating flooding with more rain to come
FOX Weather • • nation
Key Points:
- Southeastern Missouri experienced severe flash flooding on Friday, with rivers and creeks overflowing and causing significant damage to homes and campgrounds, particularly in Reynolds County.
- Rescue teams saved 40 people, including children, stranded at the Black River Lodge in Lesterville, with some campers forced to evacuate by climbing trees to escape rising waters.
- The Black River reached a record crest of over 28 feet, and more than a foot of rain fell in some areas within 12 hours, prompting multiple campground closures including Meramec State Park and Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park.
- Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe declared a State of Emergency and activated the Emergency Operations Plan to support flood response efforts, with specialized swift water rescue teams deployed across affected counties.
- The flash flood threat remains active through the weekend as additional rain and storms are expected, keeping southern Missouri on high alert for further flooding.
