Introduction
The Midwest is seeing some of the worst floodings in recent memory, with record-breaking amounts of rainwater falling in parts of Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa. In Missouri alone, more than 11 inches of rain has fallen in some areas - and that's not even including the floodwaters that are still rising!
As residents scramble to flee their homes and businesses in the affected areas, many are finding themselves dealing with a unique set of challenges. From having to leave their shoes behind to navigate flooded streets and neighborhoods, everyone is dealing with their own unique set of problems. But as bad as things seem right now, there's no doubt that help is on the way.
In Missouri, the National Guard is already on the scene helping residents evacuate their homes and providing relief supplies. And the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is gearing up to help even more people as the flooding worsens.
So if you're in the Midwest and want to know what you can do to help, please check out our resources. There are items like donated clothes and food that can be extremely useful in times of crisis, and we'll be updating this page as new information becomes available.
In the meantime, if you're feeling stranded or just need to talk, please feel free to reach out to us on social media. We're here to support you in any way we can!
The Worst Flooding in Missouri History Has Already Caused Damage
Residents in the St. Louis area are describing having to flee their homes barefoot after record-breaking flooding in the region. As of Wednesday morning, Missouri has received more than 18 inches of rain over two weeks, causing widespread damage and forcing residents to evacuate their homes. The National Weather Service has warned that more rain is on the way, and they could potentially receive up to 28 inches over the next few days.
This flooding is unprecedented in Missouri history, and it's already caused significant damage. Dozens of homes have been destroyed, and many more are damaged beyond repair. In some areas, the water has reached levels high enough to cover cars.
The emergency response team is working hard to help affected residents. However, the situation is still very dangerous, and many people are still stranded in their homes. The Red Cross has set up shelters for those who need them, and authorities are urging people not to attempt to drive through flooded streets.
More Rain on the Way, Residents Warn
As the waters of Missouri’s swollen Meramec River continued to crest on Monday, residents of the city of St. Louis were forced to evacuate their homes and leave them completely barefoot. The flooding, which has already claimed at least three lives and caused billions in damages, is only expected to get worse in the coming days. In a report from Reuters, some residents said they had been advised to leave without any clothes or possessions to avoid becoming bogged down in the floodwaters.
“We’re just kind of hoping for the best right now,” said Young Kim, who was forced to evacuate his home on Sunday and left it completely barefoot. “The water’s up to my neck and chest… I feel like I can’t breathe.”
The National Weather Service has warned that more rain is on the way, which could cause even more flooding in St. Louis. As of Monday night, parts of the city were still under water and emergency crews were still rescuing people who had been stranded by the floods.
The Floods in St. Louis
Residents describe having to flee their homes barefoot after record-breaking flooding in St. Louis. And there's more rain on the way.
Since April, heavy rains have caused widespread flooding in the city of St. Louis, Missouri. The National Weather Service has declared a flash flood emergency for portions of the area and warns that more rain is on the way. As of Sunday morning, local officials reported that over 12 feet of water had accumulated in parts of the city, leaving residents stranded and forced to evacuate their homes.
“We woke up this morning and it was knee-high water all around our house,” says Claire Fannon, who had to evacuate her home on Easter Sunday along with her three young daughters. “We got out as fast as we could and I was wearing my flip-flops. My youngest was only wearing her diaper because she didn't have any shoes on.”
Now living in a hotel, Fannon is anxiously awaiting word from her insurance company about when she can return home. “It feels like a nightmare and I don't want to wake up from it,” she says.
The Dangers of Flooding
Residents in St. Louis are describing the dangers of flooding following record-breaking rains that have hit the city this month. The heavy rains have caused widespread flooding, leaving some people stranded and without access to their homes. Barefoot residents are being urged to avoid areas affected by flooding and to stay safe.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for parts of Missouri and Illinois until 8 p.m. on Thursday. The watch means that flood conditions are possible and residents should be prepared for potential disruption. Flooding is likely to continue throughout the weekend, so residents in flood-prone areas should take precautions now.
Flooding can be dangerous both physically and emotionally for those affected. It can disrupt normal life and cause financial losses, as well as health risks such as respiratory problems and injuries from falling objects. Residents should take precautions to avoid becoming trapped in flooded areas and should contact emergency services if they find themselves in difficulty.
The Warning Signs of Flooding
Residents in the area around St. Louis were warned of potential flooding weeks ago, but they didn't heed the warning until it was too late. The record-breaking rainfall caused by Hurricane Harvey has only made matters worse.
"That storm was supposed to miss us, but it dumped so much rain on us that the water just kept coming," said resident Lamar Davenport. "It rose so fast and so high that we didn't have time to get out."
The water reached heights of six feet in some areas and quickly filled up homes and businesses. When people tried to leave their homes, they found themselves walking on flooded streets barefoot.
"I thought I was going to die," said resident Rolanda Lewis. "My feet were so cold, I couldn't feel them."
Fortunately, no one was killed in the flooding, but many residents say they will never forget the experience. Now they're urging others to be alert for signs of flooding and take action if necessary.
Signs of flooding include:
- Rapid rises in water levels
- Swelling rivers and creeks
- High water marks on buildings and trees
- Unusual smells or sounds coming from the water
- Flooding in unexpected areas
How much Flooding has Occurred in St. Louis?
Residents in the St. Louis area have been struggling to deal with record-breaking flooding since early September. The city has received more than 26 inches of rain in just over a month, causing major flooding and forcing many residents to flee their homes without shoes. According to local news reports, officials have warned residents that more rain is on the way and they should prepare for more flooding. As of Sunday morning, the city had received an additional 7.5 inches of rain, and flood warnings remain in effect for parts of the city.
The extent of the flooding and its impacts are still being assessed, but so far it appears that many neighborhoods have been impacted heavily. Residents say that they were not warned about the potential for such extensive flooding and that emergency responders did not arrive until hours after the water had started flowing dangerously high. In some cases, homeowners were only able to escape their homes after abandoning everything else in them - including furniture and clothes - and swimming to safety.
Some residents are already starting to rebuild, but others are facing long-term displacement due to the damage done to their homes. The long-term ramifications of this unprecedented flooding will be difficult to assess, but one thing is clear: the city of St. Louis is struggling to cope with what has been one of the worst flooding events in its history.
Flooding has Impacted Other Parts of Missouri and Illinois as well
Residents in Missouri and Illinois are preparing for more flooding as a result of the heavy rain that has been falling throughout the Midwest. In Missouri, record-breaking flooding has affected parts of the city of St. Louis. Residents have had to flee their homes barefoot after the water rose to dangerous levels.
According to CNN, officials in St. Louis say that there is still more rain on the way, and they urge residents to stay away from flood-prone areas.
In Illinois, flooding has also impacted parts of the state. Officials in Champaign County have ordered residents in low-lying areas to evacuate due to rising water levels. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for portions of southern Illinois until Sunday morning.
These are just a few examples of the flooding that has impacted various parts of the Midwest this week. If you or someone you know is affected by flooding in any of these areas, please call 911 for help.
If you need emergency assistance, please call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-985-5990 to speak with a representative. We will do everything we can to help you get the help you need.
People are Being Urged to Stay Away from Low-Lying areas and to Avoid Contact with Floodwaters
Residents in the low-lying areas of St. Louis are being urged to evacuate as more rain is forecast to fall on the area. The flooding has already forced dozens of people from their homes and left many others stranded, with some having to flee their homes barefoot.
The National Weather Service reports that an additional 1-3 inches of rain could fall over the next few days, which would reignite the flooding and cause even more damage. So far, the city has received more than 10 inches of rain this month, which is more than half of what is expected for the entire month.
For those who have been affected by the flooding, National Disaster Response Team spokesperson Deanna McClelland advises residents to shelter in place and avoid contact with floodwaters if possible. She also says that anyone who needs assistance should call 911 or go to a local emergency shelter.
The Missouri National Guard has been Activated to Assist with the Flooding
Residents in the St. Louis area are describing having to flee their homes barefoot after record-breaking flooding. And there's more rain on the way.
The Missouri National Guard has been activated to assist with the flooding, and officials say they expect the situation to continue for at least another week.
A spokesperson for the Missouri National Guard said that so far, they've responded to nearly 100 calls for help.
Some residents are trying to do what they can to help out their neighbors. For example, one man is driving a truckload of supplies to a church that's helping refugees who've been displaced by the flooding.
Officials warn that continued rainfall could cause even more flooding.
How is Floodwater Affecting Residents?
Residents in the St. Louis area are reporting unprecedented levels of flooding, with many saying they have to leave their homes barefoot. The National Weather Service has already issued a flood warning for the Greater St. Louis Area, predicting additional rainfall and flooding through Sunday night. In addition to the floodwaters, residents are also dealing with power outages and road closures.
According to reports, record-breaking flooding has affected areas throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. Homes and businesses near Cahokia Creek have been particularly hard hit, as waters have risen to levels that have never been seen before. Numerous residents in this area have had to evacuate their homes, and some parents have had to leave their children behind while they evacuate.
In total, at least nine people have died as a result of the floods in Missouri thus far. Many more residents are likely affected by the flooding and need assistance from FEMA or other organizations. If you or someone you know is impacted by the floods in Missouri, please consider donating money or supplies to relief organizations such as Red Cross.
What's Causing the Extreme Flooding in St. Louis?
Since mid-July, the Missouri River has been surging to unprecedented levels, causing major flooding throughout the St. Louis area. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flash flood warnings for parts of the metropolitan area and a severe thunderstorm watch for much of the region. So far, the NWS reports that more than 20 inches of rain have fallen in some areas over the past two weeks, leading to widespread damage and chaos.
The Missouri River is currently at record levels due to heavy rainfall in surrounding states. The river peaked on July 29th and has been slowly declining ever since, but it's still high enough to cause significant flooding. According to the NWS, "the main reasons for this extreme flooding are very heavy rainfall across portions of Nebraska, Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois" over the past two weeks. In total, over 20 inches of rain have fallen in some areas - a record for this time of year.
So far, there have been no reports of serious injuries or fatalities as a result of this flooding, but it's still affecting thousands of people throughout the region. And there's still a chance that the situation will worsen in the coming days - so please stay safe and don't try to drive through flooded streets.
What are Some of the Risks People are Taking when they have to Flee their Homes?
Residents in the city of St. Louis are describing having to flee their homes barefoot due to record-breaking flooding. With more rain on the way, the risks people are taking are only going to increase.
Some residents have been evacuated to shelters, but many have chosen to stay put to protect their property. Many of these residents say that they did not receive any warning from the government about the severity of the flooding or the potential for injuries.
Due to these risks, it is important for people who are in danger to heed warnings from officials and evacuate as soon as possible. If you are in a flood zone, be sure to monitor local weather forecasts to make informed decisions about whether or not to stay.
Another risk people are taking when they have to flee their homes is the risk of being stranded. If you are forced to leave your home, be sure to have a plan for where you will go and what you will do if you are unable to reach safety.
What is Gov. Nixon Doing to Help Residents Affected by the Flooding?
In Missouri, residents are struggling to deal with record-breaking flooding that has left many of them stranded and barefoot.
Gov. Nixon has responded by issuing several executive orders that will help the state with relief efforts.
The first order calls for the National Guard and other government resources to be deployed to assist local officials in responding to and recovering from the flooding. In addition, the order authorizes the use of federal funds to help individuals who have had their homes damaged or destroyed as a result of the flooding.
The governor's second order will provide funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures for businesses and critical infrastructure in affected areas. This order also authorizes the use of federal funds to help low-income families affected by the flooding.
Finally, Gov. Nixon's third order will establish an interagency task force to coordinate disaster response efforts in Missouri. This task force will include representatives from various state agencies, including the Department of Natural Resources, Department of Public Safety, and Missouri Emergency Management Agency.
These orders are just a few of the ways that Governor Nixon is working to help Missouri residents affected by the flooding. He is also encouraging people to use available resources, such as the National Flood Insurance Program and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to help them recover from this devastating event.
How Severe has the Flooding been so Far?
The flooding in St. Louis has been severe so far. As of Monday morning, the National Weather Service had reported that more than 22 inches of rain had fallen in the city since June 1st, making it the wettest month on record. This rainfall has caused widespread flooding, with homes and businesses inundated and some residents having to flee their homes barefoot.
The biggest challenge faced by residents in dealing with the floodwaters. Many have had to evacuate their homes and are living in shelters or with family members. Some have also had to deal with flash flooding, which can cause widespread damage. In addition, many businesses have been closed due to the floods, making it difficult for residents to find food and shelter.
There is no doubt that the flooding has had a major impact on the city. It is estimated that more than 100 roads have been closed and more than 20,000 homes have been affected. The long-term impact is still unclear, but more businesses will likely be closed and residents will have to deal with significant flooding for months to come.
What People are Doing to Prepare for the Future Floods?
Residents in St. Louis are doing what they can to prepare for the record-breaking flooding that is expected to continue throughout the summer. Some have taken to social media to warn others of the potential dangers, while others are stocking up on supplies and preparing to flee their homes.
"I'm packing up my car and I'm getting out of this city," one resident told KMOV. "It's time to go somewhere that we're not going to get flooded again."
Others are taking precautions by sandbagging their homes and installing flood protection measures. However, some residents say that these measures are not enough and that they will have to leave their homes completely if the flooding continues.
"We've had some rain but nothing like this," another resident said. "The water's coming up so fast it's scary."
The National Weather Service has warned residents across Missouri and Illinois of potential flooding from the swollen Missouri River and its tributaries. The river is expected to crest at 27 feet early this week, which would set a new record for the highest cresting level in history.
The flooding is expected to cause $1 billion in damage and 16 deaths.
In preparation for the floods, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing funding to state and local governments to help with flood preparedness and damage assessment. FEMA also is providing resources to help communities address debris removal and emergency response coordination.
The agency is also working with state and local emergency managers to identify needs.
Conclusion
Residents in the St. Louis area are describing having to flee their homes barefoot after record-breaking flooding this week. The National Weather Service has warned that more rain is on the way, and they are right - according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, at least two inches of rain is expected by Thursday morning. This intense rainfall has already caused major flooding in parts of Illinois and Missouri, leaving residents without access to clean water or electricity. Please continue to donate money to relief efforts as needed, and be sure to keep all those affected in your thoughts as they deal with this devastating event.