Cole County prepares for possible massive flood

As water rescues are being carried out in northwest Missouri, officials in Cole County are preparing for the flooding to travel downstream.

A spokeswoman with the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency said troopers performed water rescues Wednesday in the city of Craig.

” There were four people rescued from homes and three from a boat that ran out of fuel, ” Caty Eisterhold with MOSEMA said.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson declared a state of emergency Thursday as a result of the damage in Craig.

“The rising floodwaters are affecting more Missouri communities and farms, closing more roads and threatening levees, water treatment plants and other critical infrastructure,” Parson said in a news release. “We will continue to work closely with our local partners to assess needs and provide resources to help as Missourians continue this flood fight and as we work to assist one another.”

According to the National Weather Service, the Missouri River is expected to crest at 26 feet Monday. The standard for flood stage is 23 feet . Sections of the Katy trail and certain highways in Boone, Callaway and Cole counties could flood or be close to it if the forecast holds.

Bill Farr, director of the Cole County Emergency Management Agency, told ABC 17 News he does not expect flood damage in Mid-Missouri to match the destruction in Craig.

” I don’t believe we are (going to see similar events), and I hope not. I think we would have to have some major rain falls for that to happen to us, ” Farr said.

Despite the optimistic prediction, Farr said everyone should be prepared for the worst. Many people have already moved mobile homes and vehicles to higher ground, Farr said.

” I start to worry at 27, 28 (feet of water), because the levees are 30, ” Farr said. ” When it gets close we have to worry about closing down the airport, the sewer plants over there… a lot of infrastructure. ”

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