BREAKING: Governor Mike Parson today declared a state of emergency in Missouri in response to continuing severe weather and forecasts for tornadoes, strong straight-line winds, hail, heavy rainfall, and worsening flooding due to prolonged soil inundation throughout the state.
The Governor announced that President Donald Trump has approved his request for a major disaster declaration to help local governments and nonprofit agencies in 13 Missouri counties recover from devastating flooding and severe storms that occurred from March 11 to April 16. The declaration makes federal assistance available for the repair of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure, along with emergency response costs associated with the storms and flooding. The Governor’s April 24 request said $25 million in qualifying expenses had already been identified.
“This disaster declaration means millions of dollars in vitally important federal reimbursements will be available for communities that are hurting because of damaged and destroyed roads, bridges, and other vitally important infrastructure,” Governor Parson said. “I appreciate President Trump making the federal assistance available and all those who are already working to help our Missouri communities recover.”
The President’s action makes federal funding available to state, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding in Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Carroll, Chariton, Holt, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Perry, Platte, Ray, and Ste. Genevieve counties.
Since Monday, there have been numerous instances of flash flooding in urban areas and along rivers, creeks, and streams with the National Weather Service forecasting additional severe weather threats into early Wednesday, May 22. On Monday and Tuesday, first responders performed water rescues due to flash flooding in Jasper and Newton counties. On Monday night, a severe storm flipped campers in Wheatland, in Hickory County, sending four people to the hospital.
“Missouri is experiencing a very dangerous severe storm system with multiple threats that must be taken seriously,” Governor Parson said. “The very heavy rainfall yesterday and today, combined with saturated soil and very high water levels on many rivers and streams have created dangerous conditions around the state. I urge all Missourians to closely follow their local weather forecasts, take storm warnings seriously, and quickly act to protect themselves and their families when necessary.” Read More At Right Wing Tribune
