Wading Through the Water
This week was a week to remember for many across the Show-Me State. Torrential rains have drenched our residents and have created havoc on our streets, bridges, and neighborhoods. Some areas saw as much as 12 inches of rain over the last week. Crews have worked overtime making sure evacuations went smoothly. Emergency crews also heroically handled rescues. Volunteers spent many hours filling sandbags trying to help their neighbors. Watching these community members come together and help others in a great time of need was inspiring.
After the numerous reports of flash flooding and dangerous rainstorms pounding the state, I’m very thankful for the governor’s quick actions to declare a State of Emergency and deploy appropriate resources to the flooded areas. Also, I would like to thank our dedicated emergency responders who are still working around-the-clock to save our property and keep us safe.
For residents near Cape Girardeau, many were urged to evacuate as the level of the Mississippi continued to rise. By Thursday, reports say the water level reached 44 feet and will most likely crest this weekend at about 48.5 feet, more than 12 feet above flood stage and about 4.8 inches below the current record. Flooding on the Meramec River north of us caused closure of Interstate 55 which then cut off St. Louis travelers from accessing roads to the Southeast part of the state.
As the flood waters now begin to recede, we are left with the aftermath of the devastating waters as the cleanup process begins. We won’t know the complete cost of the damage for quite some time. Some people still cannot even get back to their homes after being evacuated. We have a long road of recovery ahead.
Even though these waters are receding, it’s important to be aware of the flood-susceptible areas that might still contain water. Always be cautious when driving or walking in flooded areas. It only takes two feet of water to float your car. Your best bet is to just turn around if you see any water on your route rapidly rising. It’s always better to find another way to get where you are going. For more information on flooding concerns, visit http://www.modot.org/flooding/. MODOT also has a 24-hour call line that contains information on road conditions – 1-888-275-6636 or outside of Missouri 573-751-2551 as well as an interactive Traveler’s Map. For a list of the local area Emergency Management Directors in Cape Girardeau County, visit http://sema.dps.mo.gov/county/search.php?id=031.
I urge you to contact me with any questions or concerns you have about state government so that I can better represent you during the 2017 legislative session.
Contact Me
I always appreciate hearing your comments, opinions, and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-2459. You may write me at Wayne Wallingford, Missouri Senate, State Capitol, Jefferson City, MO 65101, or email at wayne.wallingford@senate.mo.gov or www.senate.mo.gov/wallingford.
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