Governor declares state of emergency in response to deadly flooding

Ameren urging Lake of the Ozarks area property owners to take flood precautions

Ameren Missouri increased the discharge rate at Bagnell Dam on Jan. 5 from 40,000 cubic feet per second to nearly 50,000 cfs, expecting to allow Truman Reservoir to lower its high water level by evacuating more water into the Lake of the Ozarks with more rain in the forecast Jan. 7-8.
Ameren Missouri increased the discharge rate at Bagnell Dam on Jan. 5 from 40,000 cubic feet per second to nearly 50,000 cfs, expecting to allow Truman Reservoir to lower its high water level by evacuating more water into the Lake of the Ozarks with more rain in the forecast Jan. 7-8.

Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency in Missouri Sunday as heavy rain, flooding and flash flooding continue to impact much of the state.

Heavy rains have led to widespread flooding and at least eight fatalities have been reported, according to a news release from Nixon's office. More heavy rain and additional flooding is expected through Monday, and river levels are forecast to continue to rise over the next several days.

Since the latest round of severe weather began, the Missouri State Highway Patrol has conducted dozens of water rescues and assisted in the evacuation of residents from flooded areas. Multiple roadways have been closed due to floods, and Nixon urged Missourians in flood-affected areas to avoid travel if possible.

"Widespread flooding and continued rainfall are causing very dangerous conditions across much of central and southern Missouri," said Nixon in the news release. "Multiple fatalities due to flash flooding have already been reported, and I urge Missourians in flood-affected areas to stay alert, avoid travel if possible and never drive into a flooded roadway. With more heavy rain expected tonight and tomorrow, state emergency management personnel will be working around the clock to keep Missourians safe."

Recent rains have resulted in the need to open floodgates at Bagnell Dam at the Ameren Missouri Osage Energy Center. Additional rain is in the forecast.

Ameren Missouri is urging property owners at the Lake of the Ozarks and along the Osage River to use precautionary measures for the next several days.

"Lake of the Ozarks levels are at 661.5 feet and rising," said Warren Witt, director of Hydro Operations at Osage Energy Center, in a news release. "If rain continues as forecasted, the Lake will be above the levels that we reached this summer. As always, we will continue to monitor Lake levels and take appropriate actions as needed and keep the public informed."

Ameren Missouri recommends that Lake and Osage River property owners turn off electricity to their docks or any other structures that might become submerged.

As the water levels rise, Ameren Missouri recommends that residents exercise caution and consider having their structures inspected when turning the power back on.

In addition, Ameren Missouri is recommending that boating and fishing enthusiasts be aware of downed tree branches or other debris in the Lake that may have been caused by the high water. Moreover, Ameren Missouri is recommending a no-wake policy beginning immediately on the Lake, which will limit boats to idle speed to prevent wake damage to docks, boats and the shoreline.

Nixon also urged residents to use caution in northern Missouri, where snow and freezing rain are expected as temperatures drop and wind gusts increase.

The State Emergency Operations Center has been actively monitoring the storm system, and Nixon has been receiving updates from his emergency management team to assess the current weather situation and address local needs. The team includes senior officials from the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Missouri National Guard, Missouri State Highway Patrol and the State Emergency Management Agency. The Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan also has been activated, allowing state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions to provide emergency services.

Nixon urged residents of flood-affected areas of Missouri to pay close attention to weather warnings and follow the safety instructions of local officials as the potential for additional dangerous flooding continues. Missourians, especially motorists, are encouraged to remember these important safety tips on flooding and high water:

• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

• Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling.

• A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including sport utility vehicles and pick-ups. Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, don't try it. Water hides dips in the road. Worse yet, there may be no road at all under the water. Flooding can scour away the entire road surface and a significant amount of ground beneath.

Missourians who need disaster information, shelter information, and referrals are urged to call 211. The 211 service is now available throughout Missouri.

For more information on road closures, visit the Missouri Department of Transportation's traveler information map.

Call 1-573-365-9205 for Ameren Missouri's daily report on Lake of the Ozarks water levels, or visit AmerenMissouri.com/lake for hourly Lake water-level information.

For river and stream levels and forecasts around Missouri, see the Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service maps and charts for eastern Missouri (St. Louis) and western Missouri (Kansas City) and southwest Missouri (Springfield).