MORGAN COUNTY, Mo. — Firefighters are telling their story of the harrowing rescue of two people at Lake of the Ozarks amid the weekend’s catastrophic flooding.

Crews were able to save two occupants of a pickup truck who called 911 after becoming trapped between three low water crossings on Saturday, around noon.

The crossings were located on Procter Road, south of Camilla Road, off Highway 135 and J Road in Gravois Mills. Due to heavy rainfall in the area, all three low water crossings had running water over them. “They got stuck in the middle and were afraid to go any further,” Gravois Fire Protection District Fire Chief Ed Hancock said. “I would not have crossed it in a pick-up truck either.”

Flooded Creeks At Lake Of The Ozarks

Lake Shots Photography

Three units and four personnel responded. According to Chief Hancock, when firefighters arrived at the first crossing of South Creek on Proctor, the water was running so heavily they could not see the slab underneath. They withdrew from that crossing and circled around to access the truck from the other direction. 

Again, they found swiftly running water that was heavy enough they could not see the slab. Firefighters waited for the water to slow down, and once they were able to see the slab, they made it across the second low water crossing. 

The heavy truck managed to push through the water, and rescuers were able to safely access and transport the victims to a temporary place to stay. 

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, flash flooding closed 150 roads across the state of Missouri. Predicted rainfall amounts will likely close additional roadways throughout the week. 

MoDot reminds motorists that not all flooded roads will have closure signs. They caution all travelers to never drive through water on the roadway but to instead turn around and find an alternate route: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Flash flooding is particularly dangerous at night or the early morning hours when motorists often cannot see they’re driving into floodwaters until it’s too late. Less than a foot of moving water is enough to push a vehicle off the road.

As the water recedes, MoDOT will inspect pavement and bridges for safety before opening those roadways for public use. The water has wreaked havoc on many roadways, a phenomenon summarized in photos circulating social media that show asphalt ripped off the decking of a bridge on Interstate 44.

Destroyed Asphalt On I-44 Bridge

MoDOT photo

Missourians should take these precautions in areas affected by flooding:

  • Low water crossings are among the most dangerous spots. Never attempt to cross one that is flooded.
  • Never drive past a barricade closing flooded roads. They are there to protect you.
  • Never expect barriers to block off flooded low-water crossings, bridges or roads because flash flood waters often rise so quickly authorities do not have time to respond.
  • If your vehicle becomes stuck in rising water, get out quickly and move to higher ground because rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and sweep it away.
  • In the rain, if your wipers are in use your headlights should be on too. It’s the law.           

Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map to stay current on all flooding closures at http://traveler.modot.org/map/. The map is also available as a free app on iTunes and Google play listed as MoDOT Traveler Information.

You can also call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) for up-to-date information.


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