According to the state highway patrol, a couple working together at the polls in Missouri on Election Day died after their vehicle was destroyed by flash floodwaters.
In a release posted on X, the Missouri State Highway Patrol stated that the incident took place around 4:30 a.m., Tuesday. Three vehicles were swept off the road when floodwaters from Beaver Creek flooded the roadway. Beaver Creek is a Missouri stream that originates in Douglas County before flowing southwest through Taney County.
The state highway patrol reported that two people in a third vehicle died at 8:45 am. Three individuals from two cars were able to swim to the shore to escape the floodwaters.
According to the press release, the 70-year-old man and the 73-year-old woman who died are from the Manes area in Missouri, which is about 63 miles to the east of Springfield.
In a statement, County Clerk Loni Pedersen said, “This is a devastating loss for Wright County. This was a wonderful couple who gave their time to their community. They will be missed and I am grateful for the service that they provided in my office.”
Two Manes, Missouri, residents have drowned after their vehicle was swept off State Route H by Beaver Creek floodwaters. pic.twitter.com/ZqgUzfaa0Y
— MSHP Troop G (@MSHPTrooperG) November 5, 2024
NWS: Major flooding in Missouri
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, major flooding has occurred in certain locations in the Ozarks. Locations in at least five counties to the east of Springfield have reported anywhere between 10 inches and 12.28 inches of rain in 48 hours.
According to the National Water Prediction Service, more than a dozen places in the eastern half are likely to experience major flooding. Roubidoux Creek near Waynesville in Missouri is expected to reach its record level after rising 17 feet over the past 24 hours.
On Monday, heavy rains broke all records and caused flash flood warnings. The conditions have gotten so bad that Missouri Governor Mike Parson issued an executive order on Tuesday activating the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan to combat flooding and severe weather.
In a press release, Governor Parson stated, “Several areas in Missouri have already been affected by the storms and heavy rains this week. We want to make sure state resources are ready should any further disruptions or damages occur.”
This action allows the state to better prepare and be ready to help our communities in response and recovery. Missourians are urged to follow local authorities and emergency managers’ directions, drive with extra caution, and avoid driving into floodwaters.
Wright County Sheriff: “Many county roads and low-water crossings are inundated!”
On Monday, the Wright County Sheriff’s Office posted a message on Facebook saying, “Many county highways and low-water crossings are inundated! To avoid accidents, it’s best to avoid driving or walking through flooded areas.”
In a post on Facebook on Tuesday, the Wright County Clerk’s Office said that it would be open for those voters who could not get to their polling place due to flooding.
