ST. LOUIS — Heavy rain is causing flash flooding in the St. Louis area. Many roads are shut down, and some schools are canceling classes because of high water in the streets. A polling place located in Eureka, Missouri, also closed for a time Tuesday due to flooding.
The polling place is now open again. Voters assigned to Brookdale Farms were being re-directed to another building.
For those in need of a safe and dry place in St. Louis County, the Mid County YMCA in Brentwood is open for shelter.
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Seven inches of rain have fallen in the past 24 hours, forcing Deer Creek to overflow its banks and submerge major streets in Maplewood, Brentwood, and Webster Groves.
Flooding shut down Interstate 55 near Bayless Avenue in St. Louis. The road is submerged, and first responders are working to rescue stranded motorists in the area. Traffic on Interstate 44 is also backed up because of flooding near Valley Park.
Drivers in St. Charles County are asked to avoid Highway 94 at Howell and St. Charles St. in St. Charles County until flood waters recede.
The flooding closed Hanley Road near the Maplewood Commons shopping center, with waters reaching the walls of the former Hugo’s restaurant. The popular Deer Creek Park, known locally as “Rocket Ship Park,” is underwater as the creek continues to surge.
While the heaviest rainfall is moving out of the region, meteorologists warn that more wet weather is expected. Local authorities advise residents to avoid the affected areas and seek alternate routes.
St. Louis County activated emergency operations due to the flooding on Tuesday. The Office of Emergency Management and the Red Cross opened a shelter at the Mid County YMCA in Brentwood.
Anyone in need of a safe and dry place can go to the Mid County YMCA for shelter, food and essential services. If you are a resident of St. Louis County and your home has flood or storm damage, please call 211 to report it.
