A community is overwhelmed from impact caused by a lot of rain in a short period of time.
A flash flood occurred between 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. Thursday, May 7, creating a tremendous impact on the community. There are currently 7 motorist missing, 420 people displaced and more than 700 homes and businesses inundated.
The flood was caused by the Meramec river overflowing due to the 9 inches of rain that fell this morning. The water reached the eastbound and westbound I-44 roads, which are now currently closed because they have become impassable due to flooding. Before these roads were closed, a driver, Daniel Flow, of Pacific, MO described the scene when the flood hit, “the rain was so heavy, it was a blinding rain. I was just about to get on the bridge. One second there were tail lights in front of me, the next second, they were gone. It just disappeared, the car disappeared. I threw on the brakes and just prayed I wouldn’t get washed away.” The flood has also impacted the soccer park which is currently under an estimated 15 feet of water. A spokesperson for Missouri Management Agency says this is the worst flash flooding to hit the area since 1993.
Though this flooding has had a huge impact on the community, many efforts are being made to limit the damages. Governor Parson has declared St. Louis County a disaster area and is asking for federal help. The Red Cross has set up a shelter at the site of the former Chrysler plant in Fenton, for those who are displaced. The Missouri Management called in mutual aid to help in the rescue, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Missouri National Guard. Updates will continue to come with the impact of these efforts.
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