Flood Briefs
St. Charles County Sheriff Tom Neer urges sightseers to stay off the roads in areas affected by floodwaters.
"I know people are inclined to want to see what's going on, but it's not a good idea to be driving out on those roads," Neer said in a county news release.Some of the roads and highways are flooded and closed. If you drive up to the water on the roads, you have to turn around. Many of the roads have little or no shoulder, and water already is close to the pavement in the unflooded areas, making it difficult to back up and turn around.
In addition, trucks delivering sand and other materials to emergency workers need to be get through the roads, and sightseers only slow down the process.
Caregivers sought for displaced pets
Theresa Williams, director of the St. Charles County Division of Humane Services, urges pet owners to plan ahead in case their homes are affected by flooding.
"This is a good opportunity to educate the public," Williams said.
Williams said pet owners who live near rising floodwaters should make arrangements to move their pets to a safe area.
Those interested in becoming a foster home for a displaced animal should call the St. Charles County Humane Services at 636-949-7387.
State treasurer offers emergency flood aid
State Treasurer Sarah Steelman's office will provide emergency assistance for farms and small businesses affected by flooding.
Steelman will provide the assistance through the BIG Missouri program, which enables qualifying farms and businesses to receive low-interest loans. Steelman said she will give urgent evaluation to any and all applications, with same-day turnaround in most cases.
"These floods have been devastating to many people, farms and businesses around our state," Steelman said. "I am making this emergency assistance available immediately, and I know I join the rest of Missouri in praying for those already affected and those in the flood's path."
Mississippi River closed to boaters
A stretch of the Mississippi River is closed to recreational boating traffic, though it is still open to limited commercial traffic.
The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Upper has closed the river from mile 361 to mile 168.7 as a safety precaution and to prevent people from causing property damage or looting in flooded areas.
Boats found operating in the area will be stopped and removed from the water.
Officers with the Missouri State Water Patrol are on standby in Canton and Hannibal, where sandbagging and flood counter measures are in place. Officers will remain in areas of concern until the threat of significant flooding is gone.
