Gregory Cross

Seven Missing after Overnight Rain Causes Meramec Flooding

The Governor has declared Fenton a disaster area and is asking for federal help after seven drivers went missing after their vehicles were swept off Interstate 44 near Highway 141 due to the rising Meramec river this morning. Four people have since been rescued.

Deputy Director of the Missouri Management Agency Sally Waters says that the search and rescue is their topmost concern, and they are asking people to stay out of the area so they can do their work.

The westbound I-44 bridge remains closed over the river due to floodwater.

At least 420 people have been forced to evacuate their flooded homes and more than 700 homes or businesses were inundated after nine inches of rain fell in the two hours before the flash flooding this morning. A spokesperson for Missouri Management Agency says this is the worst flash flooding to hit the area since 1993.

Missouri Management called in mutual aid to help in the rescue, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Missouri National Guard and the Red Cross has set up a shelter at the former Chrysler plant in Fenton. The rock and mineral show at the Fenton Holiday Inn has been canceled.