Governor Parson Declares State of Emergency in Missouri in Response to Flooding

MARCH 21, 2019

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Parson today declared a state of emergency in Missouri in response to worsening conditions along the Missouri and Mississippi River systems as a result of release from upstream reservoirs, snow melt and excessive rainfall. Governor Parson also activated the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan, which allows state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions. Earlier today, the Governor signed Executive Order 19-05 making the emergency declaration official.

“The rising floodwaters are affecting more Missouri communities and farms, closing more roads and threatening levees, water treatment plants and other critical infrastructure,” Governor Parson said. “We will continue to work closely with our local partners to assess needs and provide resources to help as Missourians continue this flood fight and as we work to assist one another.”

Governor Parson plans to visit affected areas to survey the damage and meet with local officials in northwest Missouri on Thursday afternoon. 

Governor Mike Parson, Congressman Sam Graves, Major General Stephen Danner, Missouri Agriculture Director Chris Chinn, and State Emergency Management Agency Director Ron Walker are planning the following stops today:

  • 3:15pm Discussion with Local Officials from Atchison and Holt counties in Rock Port
  • 4:30pm Aerial survey of Missouri River flood impact in Northwest Missouri
  • 5:30pm Discussion with Local Officials from Buchanan County at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base

Last night, Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers rescued several people from homes and three people from a stranded boat in and around Craig, Mo., where a temporary levee failed yesterday. Ongoing sandbagging efforts today include at a water treatment plant in Forest City, Mo., in Holt County. A Red Cross shelter in Mound City, Mo., is currently housing 12 people forced from their homes by flooding. The Department of Health and Senior Services has supplied tetanus shots to Atchison and Holt counties and is working to fulfill a request from Buchanan County today.

Missouri’s State Emergency Operations Center was partially activated on March 15 in response to flooding, and the Department of Public Safety and its State Emergency Management Agency and Missouri State Highway Patrol along with the Missouri Department of Transportation have been  devoting additional resources to supporting communities since then.

Governor Parson reminded Missourians to always be careful around flooded areas and understand the risks floodwater poses.

  • Standing water can carry infectious diseases and hide hazards, including road damage, glass, and sewage.
  • Storm drains can create an extremely dangerous situation for anyone caught in the current.
  • Avoid walking through floodwater and keep children from playing in it.
  • Never attempt to drive over flooded roads.