Missouri National Guard activated in response to flooding

Governor Nixon Tuesday activated the Missouri National Guard in response to historic flooding across the state.

Gov. Nixon said the decision was made to activate the guard so it could protect local communities and support emergency responders.

The Guard will help provide security in evacuated areas and direct traffic away from road closures.

Flooding has already led to the evacuation of homes in Camden County, and several major interstate closures, including I-70 in St. Charles County, and I-44 in Phelps County.

Gov. Nixon said, “You’re talking about almost 10 more vertical feet of moving water. So the power we’re talking about, as well as the volume, is extremely significant. I don’t need to tell anybody here that other than to say that we’ve got a lot more water coming. We try to stay out in front of this as best we can.”

So far there have been 13 flood-related deaths, including 6 in Pulaski County in Mid-Missouri.