FLOODING PROMPTS GOVERNOR NIXON TO ACTIVATE MISSOURI NATIONAL GUARD
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has activated the Missouri National Guard in response to flooding the state is experiencing.
Nixon says the Guard’s responsibilities will include directing traffic away from road closures and providing security around breached levees and evacuated areas.
According to the National Weather Service, minor to moderate flooding could continue as the water levels begin to recede along portions of the Black River at Poplar Bluff, the Current River at Van Buren, and the St. Francis River near Patterson. Water
levels are expected to continue to fall over the next few days.
The NWS also says the flood warning for the Black River at Poplar Bluff has been extended to Thursday afternoon.
ADDITIONAL BUTLER COUNTY ROADS CLOSED DUE TO FLOODING Motorists in Butler County are urged to plan ahead due to multiple road closures from the ongoing flooding.
Officials with the Missouri Department of Transportation say that portions of Routes 158, 142, 53, N, W, and MM in Butler County have been closed.
Flooded roadways have also reported in numerous counties including Carter, Dunklin, Ripley, Stoddard, and Wayne. For more information on road closures go online to modot.org.
MOTORISTS URGED TO USE CAUTION AROUND WATER COVERED ROADWAYS The Missouri State Highway Patrol is urging motorists to use caution when they approach water covered roadways.
Captain John Hotz tells us that motorists should never drive through water covered roads as even a small amount of fast-moving water can sweep a vehicle off the roadway.
Motorists should also remember to stay alert and watch for barriers or barricades put into place on roads. It is extremely dangerous and a violation of state law to drive around them.
A motorist was rescued from flood waters Tuesday morning on Highway 158 in Butler County. If your vehicle would happen to become stuck in rising water, get out quickly and move to higher ground.
Hotz says at least 13 people in Missouri have been killed from flooding due to the recent rains.
TWO ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGE IN WAYNE COUNTY Two Piedmont men are facing a drug charge in connection to their arrest Tuesday night.
According to authorities, 40 year old Jason Evans and 23 year old Daniel Tomlinson were taken into custody shortly after 9 pm in Wayne County.
Evans is facing charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and felony possession with intent to distribute – marijuana.
Tomlinson has been charged with 2nd degree child endangerment and possession with intent to distribute.
WARDELL MAN FACING METH CHARGE FOLLOWING ARREST Authorities say a Wardell man is facing multiple felony charges following his arrest Tuesday morning in Pemiscot County.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 26 year old Cody Miller was arrested on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine and taking a controlled substance in a corrections facility.
MISSOURI ATTORNEY GENERAL WARNS CONSUMERS TO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR SCAMS FOLLOWING FLOODING A Missouri state official says residents should be on the lookout for scams and price gauging in connection to the recent flooding.
Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster tells KWOC News that anyone with flood or other storm-related property damage should be alert for scammers who follow weather disasters and prey on consumers needing repair or cleanup work.
Koster says that storm chasers typically go door-to-door and use high-pressure sales tactics when offering repair or cleanup services.
The scammers may arrive from out-of-state and be unable to show local references or prove they are locally bonded or licensed. Storm chasers often take payments up front, provide shoddy or no work, and then flee the region.
If you have a question, or wish to file a complaint, contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222.
Additional tips for avoiding scammers are available online at www.ago.mo.gov.
