Three Killed In Missouri Floodwaters As Governor Activates Emergency Operations

Two separate fatal incidents related to severe weather conditions have claimed the lives of three individuals in Missouri as Governor Parson activates state emergency operations.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 70-year-old male and a 73-year-old female, both from Mountain Grove, drowned after attempting to escape their vehicle, which had been swept away by flash floods. The incident occurred in Wright County near Beaver Creek. Despite their desperate efforts to swim to safety, both were pronounced dead at the scene Nov. 5.

In a separate incident on Nov. 4, a 66-year-old male from Ironton tragically drowned after his vehicle was overwhelmed by floodwaters while attempting to cross a flooded bridge. The vehicle was carried approximately half a mile downstream before coming to rest. The driver was pronounced dead on the scene by the Iron County coroner.

These fatalities underscore the dangers posed by severe weather and flooding, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of heeding safety warnings during such conditions.

In response to the ongoing flooding and severe weather across the state, Governor Mike Parson signed Executive Order 24-14 on Tuesday. This order activates the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan, mobilizing state resources to assist communities impacted by the recent storms and to prepare for further disruptions as river levels crest and floodwaters recede.

“With several areas of Missouri already impacted by this week’s storms and heavy rainfall, we want to ensure state resources are available should further disruptions or damage occur,” Governor Parson stated. “This action enables the state to be better prepared and ready to assist our communities with response and recovery. We urge Missourians to follow the direction of local authorities and emergency managers, use extra caution on the roads, and never drive into floodwaters.”

Executive Order 24-14 will remain in effect until Dec. 5, 2024, unless terminated or extended. For those affected by the flooding, resources and assistance will be made available as part of the state's coordinated emergency response efforts.