By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has extended the state’s emergency declaration to cover potential Missouri River flooding.
Parson first declared a State of Emergency on May 2nd in response to severe weather, primarily in southern Missouri.
Executive Order 24-08 extends that State of Emergency to prepare for potential flooding along the Missouri River as floodwaters from northwest Iowa make their way downstream on the Missouri. Rulo, Nebraska has already experienced minor-to-moderate flooding with St. Joseph expected to see a crest of the Missouri River at 24 feet by the end of this week, which is considered moderate flooding.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has reduced water releases from Gavins Point Dam into the Missouri River from 24,000 cubic feet per second to 20,000 cfs.
“We have seen the tremendous, destructive force of flooding this past week in neighboring states to our north and must ensure resources are available should flooding threaten areas of our state,” Gov. Parson said in a written statement released by his office. “This extension allows us to be ready to respond and support our communities. We encourage Missourians to follow their local forecasts and have preparations in place to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
Extending the State of Emergency authorizes the state to directly assist local jurisdictions, allowing increased flexibility and capacity to support response and recovery efforts. A State of Emergency is also the first step required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to seek a major disaster declaration if statewide damages meet federal thresholds for Missouri, according to the governor’s office.
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