Heck and high water

Floods wash out airshow

Stinson and other creeks were on the rise Tuesday as upstream storms filled tributaries. Lightning-filled storms took over the sky Monday night and more severe weather was predicted Tuesday.
Stinson and other creeks were on the rise Tuesday as upstream storms filled tributaries. Lightning-filled storms took over the sky Monday night and more severe weather was predicted Tuesday.

MOKANE - Weather experts are warning that Callaway County could see high waters from Monday and Tuesday's heavy rains.

Flooding has already caused the evacuation of the Jefferson City Memorial Airport, according to a news release Tuesday from the Salute to Veterans Airshow. The airshow planned for this weekend has been canceled.

"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the cancellation of our 2019 show weekend," said Jessica Houston, the SVA media chair. "The Saturday and Sunday airshow days have both been officially canceled, along with all surrounding airshow events such as the Old Soldier's Show, Media Day, and the Saturday Honored Guests Banquet."

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning "until further notice" along the Missouri River. As of 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, the river was already at 25 feet at Jefferson City - about two feet above flood stage. A tornado watch for much of Mid-Missouri , including Callaway County, was also in place Tuesday, set to expire by 10 p.m.

"The latest prediction has Callaway County entering major flood stage later this week," Callaway County Sheriff Clay Chism warned. "With more rain in the forecast, we are asking citizens to remain cognizant of this situation and take any necessary precautions."

Flood waters are predicted to crest at 32.3 feet sometime Thursday, qualifying this as a "major" flood. Hydrologic predictions for the Missouri River at Jefferson City may be viewed at bit.ly/2JUDU0v.

The highest recorded crest at Jefferson City was 38.7 feet in July 1993. If flood waters reach their predicted heights, this flood could be the seventh-highest since at least 1903, according to the NWS's historic data.

At 27 feet, the Mokane levee east of Mokane will over flow. By 27.2 feet, portions of Missouri 94 and Route C will be closed due to flood water, the NWS stated.

Monitor road closures at the Missouri Department of Transportation's interactive traveler information map: traveler.modot.org/map/index.

Safety

MoDOT has plenty of advice for staying safe during a flood.

Never attempt to walk or drive through a water-covered roadway. The road may be washed out below the water's surface, and a mere 2 feet of floodwater moving at 2 miles-per-hour can float your car and wash it off the road. Vehicles may also stall in water.

Watch for wildlife. Deer and other creatures may cross roads in greater numbers than usual while escaping rising water.

Listen to your radio, TV or weather radio for the latest information on weather conditions that can cause flooding.

Never park your vehicle along streams, if there is a threat of flooding. Avoid low-lying streets, as well.

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to see and recognize flood dangers.

Fuel up and pack a go-bag of important documents, water and nonperishable food, a flashlight and battery-operated radio with extra batteries, and medications/first-aid supplies.

If flooding occurs, move to higher ground as quickly as possible. You will not be able to outrun the flood.

Chism said those living in the Mokane area know the drill by now.

"Many local residents along State Highway 94 are aware of which areas need evacuated and the county roadways that will become impassable," he said. "I ask anyone whom is not overly familiar with the area to exercise extreme caution on the county roadways as they may come around a corner to find several feet of flood water making the roadway impassable."