Flash flooding across state prompts Governor to declare state of emergency

Governor Eric Greitens declared a state of emergency Saturday afternoon in response to flash flooding across Missouri.

A 72-year-old woman was killed Saturday after being swept away by flood waters in Christian County in southwest Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said Madelaine Kreuger was a passenger in the car that was swept away by flood waters on Highway K near Clever. Troopers said Kreueger’s husand tried to save her as she was swept away. The car was later found in a field after the water receded.

Gov. Greitens released the following statement Saturday:

“Thank you to our first responders for their courageous and capable work to keep Missouri families safe and to protect property. Together, we took early action to prepare for this storm, and our pre-staged rescue teams are now executing operations across Missouri. Please stay safe and stay away from rising water.”

According to the governor’s office, 93 evacuations and 33 water rescues were performed Saturday.

The Red Cross opened 6 shelters in southern Missouri counties Saturday, with another eight on standby throughout the state.