Weather
Major flooding issues across parts of St. Louis Missouri
Significant flooding has impacted multiple areas throughout St. Louis, Missouri, causing widespread disruption and damage.
Heavy rainfall over recent hours has led to swollen rivers, overwhelmed storm drains, and flooded streets, leaving parts of the city and surrounding communities submerged.
Many neighborhoods in St. Louis are experiencing road closures as floodwaters make some streets impassable.
Emergency services have been responding to calls for assistance from residents stranded in their homes or vehicles, while local authorities have urged drivers to avoid any roads covered in water. Numerous vehicles have already been abandoned due to stalled engines and rising waters.
Reports indicate that several businesses and residential properties have been affected by water damage, with basements, parking garages, and lower floors flooding in low-lying areas.
In some neighborhoods, floodwaters have reached several feet, posing risks to both property and public safety. Local officials have opened temporary shelters for those displaced by the rising waters, and utility crews are on standby to address potential power outages in affected areas.
The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings for the St. Louis area, advising residents to monitor weather updates and stay alert for any changes in conditions.
Flash flooding remains a concern, as the saturated ground and overwhelmed drainage systems are expected to exacerbate any additional rainfall.
As emergency crews work tirelessly to manage the situation, authorities are urging the public to stay off the roads, seek higher ground if necessary, and remain indoors until conditions improve.
Residents in flood-prone areas have been advised to prepare for potential evacuation and secure belongings that could be affected by water damage.
Weather
At least one killed after strong and dangerous tornado moved through Oklahoma City metro area
A powerful and dangerous storm system tore through the Oklahoma City metro area overnight on Saturday, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos.
Several tornadoes were reported to have touched down in southeastern Oklahoma City, severely impacting communities like Valley Brook, Del City, and Harrah.
The worst-hit area was Valley Brook, where homes were completely destroyed, prompting urgent search and rescue operations early Sunday morning.
Emergency responders and residents worked side-by-side, pulling people from their destroyed homes and guiding them to safer shelters, fearing additional tornadoes might follow.
Tragically, one fatality has been confirmed, and several others sustained serious injuries. Reports detail scenes of devastation, with houses demolished, vehicles tossed around, and residents trapped amid widespread gas leaks.
In Oklahoma City, six people were reported injured and required hospital treatment.
According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, five of these injuries were concentrated in one specific area, though fortunately, none were life-threatening.
Southeastern Oklahoma City experienced multiple gas leaks, exacerbating the already hazardous conditions.
Across Oklahoma City and Del City, the storm left power lines and large trees uprooted. As of early Sunday morning, over 35,000 residents were without power.
The City of Choctaw’s mayor, Chad Allcox, posted an update on Facebook early Sunday morning:
Please keep the City of Choctaw, OK and Town of Harrah in your thoughts and prayers. Significant damage has been reported in both locations. Thank you to our staff, and first responders for working through the night.
This is the beginning of a few days of historical rain amounts and severe storms. Please be careful traveling the roads around the metro and the City of Choctaw. Our city crew are out working to shut down areas of high water throughout the night.
Oklahoma City police have urged residents to avoid southeastern Oklahoma City while recovery and repair efforts continue.