Mid-Missouri rivers to reach flood stages after recent rain

Rain has continued into the summer and is bringing the spring floods with it. Recent showers and storms dropped 2 to 3 or more inches of rain across a wide swath of Mid-MO in under a day, quickly inundating local creeks and rivers.

The rain is connected to a slow-moving front that has stalled right over the state. As this front first arrived on Tuesday, it triggered several severe watches and warnings for strong storms in the area. The front then slowed to a crawl on Wednesday, continuing to produce showers over already rain-soaked areas.

Flood alerts were issued as the severe threat shifted from strong storms to residual flooding. After 2 to 3 inches of rain fell on Tuesday, another inch or more was added by Wednesday storms, though the heaviest rain shifted slightly east.

Local rivers are expected to reach minor flood stages tonight and late this week due to the excessive rain. The Moreau River in Jefferson City will peak at minor flood stage as it reaches 20 feet after midnight on Thursday. The river will then subside back to normal levels on Friday.

Weekend rain could cause more local flooding, but the heaviest rain amounts are shifting south, easing the strain on rivers further north in central Mid-MO. However, southern Missouri is continuing to reel from above-average rainfall in the spring, while northern portions of the state are in a light drought.