Meteorologist Samantha Davies

Flooding is imminent in Missouri as residents saw non-stop heavy rain on Tuesday. The highest rainfall total that I could find this morning was in Cape Girardeau, MO, where almost a foot of rain fell. The graphic below shows the Doppler radar estimates of the rainfall totals in southeast Missouri. Generally, Cape Girardeau Country saw over 9 inches of rain.

Rain totals for Cape Girardeau, MO

Southwest Missouri received just under a foot of rain. The graphic below is from Springfield, MO. Locations south of I-44 is where the highest totals are found.

Rain totals for Springfield, MO

Here’s a list of a few cities and their rainfall totals from Tuesday:

Ellington, MO - 10.00”

Hurley, MO - 11.00”

Ozark, MO - 8.38”

Carbondale, IL - 9.75”

Due to all of the excessive rainfall, widespread flash flooding is occurring over southern Missouri. Flood Warnings and Flash Flood Warnings remain in effect for much of the state. This is a dangerous situation; we have already received reports of deaths due to the flooding. If you encounter any of the flooding do not try to cross the high water. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock an adult off of their feet. If you are in a vehicle, do not drive through flooded waters. It only takes about a foot of water to wash away an SUV or a truck.

The weather is gradually improving in the Midwest; however, the larger rivers will have high water levels for days to come.