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Flash Flooding Turns Deadly in Southern Missouri
Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to remind the public that flooding or flash flooding continues to affect safety on the roadways. Flash flooding, due to the recent heavy rains, can be expected over the next few days and has proven to be extremely dangerous and even fatal.
"The flooding situation in Southern Missouri has turned deadly," stated Col. Replogle. "The Missouri State Highway Patrol has conducted approximately 18 water rescues in Troops E, D, and G and has recovered the bodies of two fatally injured subjects in the Troop G area since Friday. Both of these individual's vehicles were swept from low water crossings by swift moving water as they attempted to cross. Many of the roads in the southern portion of the state which are near or crossover waterways are still under water and should be considered impassable and extremely dangerous to cross."
For their safety and that of their passengers, drivers are reminded to stay alert while driving in areas known to flood. Barricades closing a roadway are there to protect you. Drivers must respect barriers or barricades put in place by MoDOT -- it is extremely dangerous and a violation of state law to drive around them.
Never drive through fast-moving waters; even a small amount of fast-moving water can sweep a slow-moving vehicle off the roadway. If your vehicle becomes stuck in rising water, get out quickly and move to higher ground.
Motorists also are reminded that state law requires them to turn on their vehicle's headlights any time they are using the windshield wipers. It only takes a second to turn on your vehicle's headlights. But, that second could make you more visible to other drivers and prevent a traffic crash.