Nixon postpones meeting with emergency management officials

(From Gov. Jay Nixon)

Gov. Jay Nixon's previously scheduled roundtable in Waynesville has been postponed as state and local emergency management personnel continue to respond to dangerous flooding in south central Missouri.  Another advisory will be sent out when the event is rescheduled.

Yesterday, the Governor declared a state of emergency after heavy rains led to flash flooding and at least one death in the Waynesville area.  The executive order activates the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan, which allows state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions to provide emergency services. 

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has deployed additional marine operations troopers, a rescue helicopter and associated assets to the region to assist local emergency responders. At the Governor's direction, those resources will remain in place until the threat has passed.  The State Emergency Management Agency is actively monitoring conditions and will continue to work with local response agencies to provide additional support as needed.

The Governor urged residents of flood-affected areas of southern Missouri to pay close attention to weather warnings and follow the safety instructions of local officials as the potential for additional dangerous flooding continues.  Missourians, especially motorists, are encouraged to remember these important safety tips on flooding and high water:

• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling.
• A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including sport utility vehicles and pick-ups. Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, don't try it. Water hides dips in the road. Worse yet, there may be no road at all under the water. Flooding can scour away the entire road surface and a significant amount of ground beneath.