Storms and flooding expected to impact Missouri
During the next several days much of Missouri could be impacted by damaging severe storms and heavy rainfall. Dangerous and potentially historic rainfall is expected, especially across southeast Missouri. Flooding, and flash flooding, is possible over a large area of Missouri.
Driving Safety Tips
· Monitor your local forecast for severe weather and flood alerts.
· If you are traveling across the state, tune into area radio stations to monitor the forecast.
· Flash flooding can occur rapidly and be unpredictable. In a matter of minutes a roadway can become flooded.
· Pay attention while driving and anticipate the potential for flooded roadways in places you don’t expect it to be. During heavy or prolonged rainfall low lying areas of any roadway could become flooded, even on interstates and in towns.
· Be prepared for unexpected debris on the roadway.
· Never attempt to drive through flood waters. It only takes about 12 inches of swift moving water to sweep a vehicle away. The roadway could also be washed away.
· Never attempt to drive across downed power lines. If your vehicle comes into contact with downed power lines, remain in your vehicle and call for help.
· Slow down if traveling at night or during periods of reduced visibility. Reducing your speed provides you extra time to react to changing road conditions and reduces the risk of hydroplaning.
· Do not travel past or remove barricades closing a roadway. Drivers must respect barriers or barricades put in place by MoDOT. It is extremely dangerous and a violation of state law to drive around them.
Current road conditions and road closures can be found at the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler Information Map. The map can be downloaded from the app store for free to any smart device or you can visit it at https://traveler.modot.org/map/index.html. Road conditions can change often with flash floods or heavy rain. The map is updated regularly, but it is not possible to predict future road closings or water levels of specific rivers, lakes, or streams. Drivers are encouraged to check the map frequently for updates while traveling.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol encourages motorists to make good decisions to protect their safety. Choosing to travel into flood waters is dangerous. Your choice puts the first responders who come to your aid in danger. If you experience a roadside emergency or see someone in need of aid, call 911 or *55 from your cell phone for assistance.