The City of St Joseph on Tuesday released details of its planning for a possible flood emergency, including maps with evacuation plans, emergency routes, and traffic control points.
In the area prone to flooding in north St Joseph, in the vicinity of Water Works Road, a voluntary evacuation alert will be issued if the Missouri River reaches a stage of 25 feet. A mandatory evacuation order will be issued in the event the river reaches 27 feet.
In South St Joseph, the area of greatest risk is bounded roughly by Florence Road on the north, the Missouri River and Ingersoll to the west, Joseph Street to the south, and US-59/Lake Avenue to the east. In that area, a voluntary evacuation alert will be issued if waters reach 30 feet and a mandatory evacuation order will be issued at 31.5 feet.
The city has issued maps in pdf format which include the flood prone areas, evacuation areas and traffic control points.
Click Here for the entire city.
Click Here for a close-up of the south side.
City officials urge residents who live behind the south side levee (L-455) to have an evacuation plan in place, and be aware of the city’s evacuation planning.
If a mandatory evacuation order is issued, the city’s outdoor severe weather sirens will be activated.
The sirens will sound only in the event of an immediate evacuation. Routine monthly testing of the sirens has been cancelled for July and August.
Public safety personnel will respond to the area to assist residents with evacuation by directing them to the controlled routes exiting the area. Law enforcement personnel will maintain security, and control access to the evacuated areas for as long as the mandatory status remains in effect. At the time of evacuation, it is important that all residents take personal identification listing their address with them. This will assist them in gaining access to their property through established check points as safety permits, while the event continues.
Residents are encouraged to visit the city’s website (stjoemo.info), watch cable channel 19, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter. This is a quick and effective way to access timely information concerning the flood. To find us on Facebook, search “city of st joseph, mo” or to follow us on Twitter, search “citystjoemo”.
