Recent heavy rains are causing area rivers and streams to leave their banks. And forecasters say two upcoming weather systems could worsen the situation.
Flood warnings are in place for the Missouri River at:
Jefferson CityChamoisGasconadeHermannWashingtonSt. CharlesWarnings are also in place for the Mississippi River at:
CantonHannibalLouisianaClarksvilleWinfieldSt. LouisGraftonMel Price Lock & DamChester
The National Weather Service says five to seven inches of rain could fall through Thursday, causing the already high Missouri River to jump reach four feet above flood stage at some points, while the Mississippi River is expected to reach seven feet above flood stage south of St. Louis.
The rain is a result of back-to-back weather systems that were expected to hit the St. Louis area starting Monday night.
The first system is a front that will eventually become stationary and cause heavy rainfall.
"That, combined with this real moist air mass is going to prompt a lot of showers and thunderstorms, and given how much moisture there is in the air, the showers and thunderstorms will be very efficient," Fred Glass, meteorologist for the National Weather Service in St. Louis, said.
The second system is a tropical front that will travel north through Texas, but it is not as predictable.
"It's a little difficult to tell at this point exactly where it's going to be going to, but it would most likely impact the southern half of Missouri and the southern half of Illinois," Glass said.
These systems will not only affect the main rivers such as the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, but also smaller streams and creeks.
"The smaller creeks, streams and small rivers behave a lot differently, they're much more flash flood prone," Glass said,
Glass said although no significant problems are expected to occur, residents should still keep an eye on their local weather forecasts.
"Best word of advice is if you live in any flood prone areas, pay special attention to the forecast watches and warnings that are going to be coming out of the St. Louis office and for any weather services of the next few days," Glass said.
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