Missouri River Flooding Prompts Warning for Four Counties Until Friday
National Weather Service warns Missouri River flooding will continue affecting four counties until Friday afternoon, with the river expected to crest at 22.7 feet.
BOONVILLE, MISSOURI — The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the Missouri River at Boonville, effective until 1:00 PM CDT on Friday, May 1, as minor flooding affects four central Missouri counties.
The warning, issued at 3:20 AM CDT on Tuesday, covers Howard, Cooper, Moniteau, and Boone Counties. At 3:04 AM Wednesday, the river stage measured 21.1 feet, exceeding the 21.0-foot flood stage.
River Expected to Crest This Afternoon
Weather service forecasters predict the Missouri River will reach a crest of 22.7 feet this afternoon before beginning to recede. The river is expected to fall below flood stage early Thursday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service Kansas City/Pleasant Hill office.
Current conditions show minor flooding is occurring in low-lying rural areas along the river. The flood stage of 21.0 feet triggers flooding in these vulnerable locations.
Road Closures Expected at Higher Levels
If water levels continue rising toward 23.8 feet, additional flooding impacts would occur. At that stage, Easley River Road and Smith Hatchery Road would begin to experience flooding, potentially creating hazardous driving conditions.
The current forecast indicates the river will peak below this threshold, but residents in affected areas should monitor conditions closely as river levels can change rapidly during flood events.
Safety Precautions Urged
Officials remind residents that even minor flooding poses significant risks. Low-lying areas near the Missouri River remain particularly vulnerable as water levels stay elevated through Thursday.
The National Weather Service continues monitoring river conditions and will update forecasts as new data becomes available. Residents can access current river stage information and safety guidelines at weather.gov.
This flood warning represents the latest in spring flooding concerns for Missouri communities along major river systems. The Missouri River’s current rise follows recent precipitation patterns affecting the region’s watershed areas.
