Gov. Jay Nixon on Tuesday declared a state of emergency after heavy rain led to flash flooding and at least one fatality in Pulaski County.

Nixon spoke with emergency response and elected officials from Pulaski County and Waynesville to tell them the state of Missouri would continue to provide any assistance needed. The Governor said weather patterns forecast for Missouri over the next few days indicate that flooding could continue to cause serious problems.

“Parts of southern Missouri have been hit with heavy rain for several days, causing deadly flash-flooding, and that threat is not over,” Gov. Nixon said.

“We have moved resources into the region to assist local authorities, but it is extremely important for the public in affected areas to pay close attention to weather conditions, have an evacuation plan and immediately move to higher ground if needed.”

A child was killed and several homes and businesses damaged after several inches of rain Monday night and Tuesday morning caused flooding in Waynesville.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has deployed additional marine operations troopers, a rescue helicopter and associated assets to the region to assist local emergency responders. At the Governor’s direction, those resources will remain in place until the threat has passed. The State Emergency Management Agency is actively monitoring conditions and will continue to work with local response agencies to provide additional support as needed.

The Governor’s executive order also activates the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan, which allows state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions to provide emergency services.

(News Release)