Advertisement
Advertisement

News

St. Louis Flooding: At Least One Person Dead, 100 Rescued

By Eric Zerkel and Jan Wesner Childs

July 26, 2022

Play

At a Glance

  • First responders evacuated residents from neighborhoods.
  • Many vehicles were stranded and submerged across the St. Louis metro area.
  • Residents are being asked to stay home if it's safe to do so.
Advertisement

At least one person is dead and 100 were rescued after record rainfall in Missouri Tuesday.

First responders evacuated people from their homes and rescued motorists from their vehicles in floodwaters across the St. Louis metro area after a historic amount of rain fell on the area in just a few hours.

A flash flood emergency warning of a "life-threatening situation" was issued through the late morning. This is the most severe and urgent flood warning that the National Weather Service issues.

Here are our live updates as the situation unfolded throughout the day Tuesday.

(6:05 p.m. ET) Governor Declares State Of Emergency

A state of emergency has been declared for the entire state of Missouri.

"With record rainfall impacting the St. Louis region and the potential for additional rain and isolated thunderstorms, we want to ensure that our communities have every resource available to respond and protect Missourians," Gov. Mike Parson said in a statement. "We urge Missourians to follow the direction of local authorities and emergency managers, never drive in floodwaters, and always use common sense to prevent injury."

(4:14 p.m. ET) St. Louis County Declares Local State of Emergency

St. Louis County executive declared a state of emergency due to the flooding. This order allows the state of Missouri to ask for federal funding.

"If granted, it will provide relief for residents for damage and free up funding for small businesses, said county executive Sam Page."

(3:50 p.m. ET) Historically Rainy Morning in St. Louis

There are aspects of this record-breaking rainfall that stunned even our team of meteorologists.

More rain fell in parts of the metro area Tuesday morning than on any other day in over 100 years. Over 9" of rain fell between July 25-26.

The city recorded about 25% of its average yearly rainfall in just 12 hours. In half of that time, more than 7" of rain fell in the city.

This is more rain in St. Louis over a six-hour period than usually falls in a typical July and August combined.

Click here to read more of the most staggering facts about today's flooding.

(3:13 p.m. ET) Heartbreaking Scene Described At Dog Rescue

Stray Paws dog rescue northwest of downtown St. Louis saves between 800 to 1,000 dogs each year.

Now the building where animals are held before being sent to foster homes is ruined.

“Everything ... All our dog food … washers and dryers, we had pens, refrigerators keeping our medicine in them … all of our food, collars, bedding ... Everything is gone,” Stray Paws board member Jennie Miller said in a phone interview this afternoon, holding back tears.

Ten puppies died in the flood. Miller described them as "rescue mutts" from two different litters. They ranged in age from 6 to 8 weeks. Fifteen adult dogs were rescued and taken to another shelter nearby for medical treatment. All survived.

Read and see more of this story here.

(1:40 p.m. ET) Body Recovered From Vehicle

A person died in their car during the flooding, St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson said in a news briefing.

A civilian in the area alerted first responders to the possibility of a car submerged in a low-lying area covered with about 8.5 feet of water.

Water was above the roof of the car in the Forest Park neighborhood.

“As the water was receding, the car made itself visible," Jenkerson said. One person was pulled out but pronounced dead. The person hasn't been identified.

“We don’t know if the individual drove into the water … It’s under investigation right now," Jenkerson said.

Further details weren't immediately available.

First responders plucked 100 people in need of rescue, mostly from vehicles that tried to cross flood-covered roadways.

“We've had a tremendous amount of cars that have been door-deep and also roof-deep in some of these low-lying areas,” Jenkerson said.

Many cars were completely flooded and some homes sustained major damage, he said.

(12:44 p.m. ET) Threat Of Flooding Isn't Over

While the heaviest of the rain might be over for today in St. Louis, it doesn't mean the threat of rain has ended.

“The bottom line is it’s not over yet for St. Louis and it’s far from over from the Appalachians to the Front Range of the Rockies,” weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman said.

The rain is from a stationary front that parked itself over Missouri and is now creeping to the east.

“Stalled fronts in the middle of summer are bad news, and this is a classic case of that," Erdman said.

More rain could hit Missouri, and Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia could also all see dangerous flooding in the coming days.

(FORECAST: Flooding Likely From the Ohio Valley to the Appalachians This Week)

(12:19 p.m. ET) Photographer Worries Floods Like This Are 'Becoming More Normal'

Tony Nipert, who shot the photo of the flooded MetroLink station posted earlier, told us via email that people are rallying around to help each other any way they can.

“A lot of people showing concern for their neighbors, checking in to make sure they’re okay, and pitching in to help where they can,” Nipert wrote. “St. Louis Fire Department is doing a tremendous job (with) rescues and aid calls.”

Nipert said what he’s seeing today has him concerned.

I’m worried that we are going to see more flash floods that look like this," Nipert said. "That this is becoming more normal."

Scientists say that climate change due to global warming is making extreme rainfall more likely for some areas.

(11:59 a.m. ET) St. Louis Flooding In Photos

We're compiling the best images from today's historic flooding. Click through the slideshow below to see them, or visit this link.

New photos will be added as they come in.

Two Jennings Precinct officers rescue a motorist from floodwaters at Jennings Crossing and Jennings Station Road in St. Louis, Mo., on Tuesday, July 26, 2022. (Twitter/St. Louis County PD)
1/17
Two Jennings Precinct officers rescue a motorist from floodwaters at Jennings Crossing and Jennings Station Road in St. Louis, Mo., on Tuesday, July 26, 2022. (Twitter/St. Louis County PD)

(11:24 a.m. ET) Animal Shelter Flooded

Several puppies died when floodwaters rose into Stray Paws Rescue in St. Peters, Missouri.

"Firefighters/rescue teams with boats are on the way to assess the situation with our animals," the shelter posted on Facebook earlier this morning. "Highways are closed. Roads are closed. We are distraught."

An update said: "Adult dogs are okay. Sadly the puppies did not make it, the water levels were too high. Fly high little ones. Our hearts are breaking."

The facility is accepting donations and applications for foster homes.

(11:02 a.m. ET) Park Pedestrian Bridge Collapses

A pedestrian bridge at Frontier Park in St. Charles, Missouri, collapsed due to erosion from the flooding, according to a social media post from the city.

(10:17 a.m. ET) Creek Rises 21+ Feet in 7.5 Hours

Dardenne Creek in St. Peters has now risen 21.4 feet in 7.5 hours, according to the National Weather Service.

Typically, water levels in the creek are only 1 to 2 feet.

Advertisement

The creek is near one section of I-70 that's closed due to flooding.

(10:13 a.m. ET) Families Reportedly Swimming From Their Homes

A local TV reporter said families are swimming out of their houses, surrounded by floodwaters, in southwest St. Louis.

KMOV-TV reporter Julia Avery posted a photo that showed water nearly over the top of a roadside stop sign in the Brentwood area.

(10:06 a.m. ET) Rainfall Total Tops 1 Foot

The highest rain total reported so far is 12.35 inches near St. Peters, northwest of the city.

(10:03 a.m. ET) Gateway Arch Closed

Gateway Arch St. Louis tweeted:

"ALERT: Due to flooding caused by record rainfall, the Gateway Arch is closed today, Tuesday, July 26."

Ticket holders are eligible for a refund.

(10:01 a.m. ET) Residents Stranded As Neighborhoods Flood

St. Louis resident Amy Morten shared photos of her family's cars sitting in floodwaters in front of their home.

Morten is stranded in her apartment.

This image shows a family’s vehicles surrounded by floodwaters as they are trapped in their apartment in St. Louis, Mo., on July 26, 2022. (Amy Morten)
This image shows a family’s vehicles surrounded by floodwaters as they are trapped in their apartment in St. Louis, Missouri, on Tuesday, July 26, 2022.
(Amy Morten)

(9:55 a.m.) Photos Show Flooded MetroLink Stop

Photos provided by a local resident show just how deep the water is in some spots.

"The Forest Park DeBaliviere MetroLink station is flooded," the photographer said on social media. "This is not normal."

Public transit passengers were warned early this morning to be prepared for extensive delays.

The flooded Forest Park DeBaliviere MetroLink station in St. Louis, Mo., is covered in deep water on Tuesday, July 26, 2022. (@TonyInStLouis via Twitter)
The flooded Forest Park DeBaliviere MetroLink station in St. Louis, Missouri, is covered in deep water on Tuesday, July 26, 2022.
(@TonyInStLouis via Twitter)

(9:36 a.m. ET) Portions Of I-70 Are Still Closed

Sections of I-70 and several other roadways remain closed due to flooding. The latest road conditions are available from the Missouri Department of Transportation's traveler information website.

(9:31 a.m. ET) Rescues Ongoing, Residents Asked To Stay Home

People are still being rescued from cars and homes in some areas.

St. Charles County government sent out a message asking residents to stay home if it is safe to do so and to refrain from calling 911 except for true emergencies.

"Flooding in our area has impacted many roadways," a tweet read. "Please stay home if your home is not in danger. If you must travel, check your route before traveling. Turn around, don’t drown—do not attempt to drive through flooded roads. Do not call 911 unless it is an emergency."

(9:11 a.m. ET) Strong Winds Tracked At Airport

St. Louis Lambert International Airport recorded a wind gust of 47 mph just before 8 a.m.

(8:56 a.m. ET) Rain Moving East

The heaviest rain is moving out of the city.

“Most of the flooding reports have been from St. Louis proper and areas northwest of there,” weather.com senior meteorologist Chris Dolce said.

There was one report of up to 11 inches.

“The worst of it seems to be over. There’ll be some moderate rainfall rates and some possibly heavy locally through mid-morning before it really tapers off,“ Dolce said. “Of course we’ve still got flooding ongoing.”

The rainfall is moving east, so people in its track need to remain vigilant.

One creek west of St. Louis rose 20 feet.

“We’re seeing both flash flooding of urban areas and also in a lot of these creeks,” Dolce said. “It’s kind of a two-pronged thing. The creeks causing flooding and urban flooding overwhelming drains."

There is a chance of additional rainfall tonight. While it won't be as heavy, there's still a chance for additional flooding.

(8:50 a.m. ET) Resident: 'Panic And Fear' As Water Rose In Apartment Complex

Weather.com spoke to Ken Mebus, who lives in suburban St. Charles on the northwest side of the city.

A neighbor knocked on his door to alert him that the basement was flooding. Water also rose in the parking lot, flooding several cars.

"Initially it was just panic," Mebus said. "Panic and fear. Especially with it kind of surrounding the apartment. There's literally no way to go but up. With the way the flooding was, everything was surrounded. The river was almost right up to the building for the most part. The lot itself closed off any bit of exit for us out there. I was just nervous because the entire time I'm watching this I'm seeing the water increase and slowly creep up."

Mebus and other residents lost personal items in the basement flooding including memorabilia, clothes and his washer and dryer.

Mebus had earlier tweeted that he and his family were in the middle of a flash flood.

(8:29 a.m. ET) Homes Flooded, Residents Trapped

The St. Louis Fire Department says six people and six dogs were rescued from homes in one neighborhood block. About 18 homes incurred "substantial flooding." Some residents chose to shelter in place rather than be evacuated.

(8:17 a.m. ET) Airport Records Nearly 8 Inches Of Rain in About 6 hours

St. Louis Lambert International Airport has now picked up 7.90 inches of rain since just before 1 a.m.

That's a little more than double their average monthly July rainfall in just over 6 hours.

(8:04 a.m. ET) Why Are Flash Floods So Dangerous?

A flash flood is one that happens suddenly, usually in the span of an hour, but sometimes in just minutes.

It can happen when heavy rain falls over already soaked ground or mountainous terrain, turning usually placid creeks and streams into rushing torrents spilling out of their banks.

Underpasses and other low-lying areas of cities and towns can flood quickly when storm sewers can't drain water running off paved surfaces fast enough.

Click here to read more on how to stay safe during this type of emergency.

(6:55 a.m. ET) I-70 Blocked Due To Flooding

Water is covering Interstate 70 in St. Peters, Missouri, according to social media posts.

(6:45 a.m. ET) Water Entering At Least One Building

A resident posted on social media that their home is flooding.

"Guys, please pray for me and my family, we are in the middle of a flash flood and it is getting very scary right now," a tweet from the person read.

(6:35 a.m. ET) St. Louis Sets Rainfall Record

So much rain has fallen in such a short period of time that this is now St. Louis' all-time record wettest day. Records here go back 148 years. The old record was set on August 20, 1915.

(6:10 a.m. ET) Subdivision Evacuating

Evacuations were underway in the Foxboro subdivision in Ladue, Missouri, because of flooding, the Ladue Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Johnson told KDSK.

(6:00 a.m. ET) Water Rescues Ongoing

The St. Louis Fire Department said that water rescues are ongoing across the metro. They said that several vehicles were "completely submerged" on roads across the area.

(5:50 a.m. ET) Reporters Rescued From I-70 Flooding

Two local journalists got trapped in high waters and had to be rescued on I-70 westbound near the Jennings exit. "Our car ended up getting carried under the overpass," KSDK reporter Sydney Stallworth said. "You would not believe the amount of cars stranded across the area."

(5:30 a.m. ET) Up To 10 Inches Of Rain So Far

The National Weather Service in St. Louis said 6-10" of rain has fallen across the metro area. Senior weather.com meteorologist Chris Dolce said that the flooding was caused by storms that "repeatedly soaked the same areas for multiple hours, similar to how a train would move down a track."

(4:50 a.m. ET) Cars Stuck Downtown

(4:30 a.m. ET) Parts Of Interstate 70 Shut Down

Parts of I-70 are closed in both directions into downtown St. Louis because of high water.

The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.

This is a breaking news situation. Check back frequently for the latest updates.

Advertisement

Weather in your inbox

Your local forecast, plus daily trivia, stunning photos and our meteorologists’ top picks. All in one place, every weekday morning.

By signing up, you're opting in to receive the Morning Brief email newsletter. To manage your data, visit Data Rights. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

Advertisement

Your Privacy

To personalize your product experience, we collect data from your device. We also may use or disclose to specific data vendors your precise geolocation data to provide the Services. To learn more please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Choose how my information is shared

Arrow Right
Review All Privacy and Ad Settings
Hidden Weather Icon Masks
Hidden Weather Icon Symbols