This story has been updated to reflect the latest weather advisories and weather-related closings.
The following counties are under flood warnings until 7 p.m. Tuesday:
Barry County
Christian County
Northwestern Taney County
Southeastern McDonald County
Stone County.
Original post (with time modifications):
Campers had to be evacuated from Roaring River State Park Campground and water rescues have taken place as flooding continues in the Ozarks.
A flash flood emergency has been issued for Barry County and Roaring River State Park. According to the National Weather Service, sections of Highways 248 and 76 east of Cassville are flooded and have been closed off to motorists. As of 10:20 this morning, the area had received 5.65 inches of rain since midnight. A flash flood emergency has also been issued for central Stone and west-central Taney Counties, including the city of Branson. National Weather Service meteorologist Doug Kramer says the emergency is specific to Flat Creek, Roaring River, Roark Creek and small tributaries around Reeds Spring and Kimberling City.
"We think we've seen probably up to seven inches of rain in some of those areas within that flash flood emergency, very significant flooding ongoing in some of those areas. There's some water rescues. There's been damage."
According to Kramer, campers at Roaring River State Park Campground had to be quickly evacuated and left equipment behind.
Missouri State Parks has temporarily closed Roaring River State Park due to the flooding. Missouri State Parks director, Bill Bryan, said, as the waters recede, they'll begin assessing any damage and will work to get the park back in shape.
Kramer says the situation to the south of Springfield is "very dangerous" and he urges caution for anyone traveling in the areas affected by flooding.
The National Weather Service says "multiple swift water rescue teams have been or are being deployed" in response to what it calls "extreme flash flooding."
As of 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, the following local roads were closed due to high water:
- Roark Valley Road between Truman Rd. and Forsyth Rd.
- The low-water crossing on Expressway Lane (by the charcoal plant).
- Fall Creek Road, which is closed from Wildwood to River Valley Drive, including the low-water crossings at Caudill Way and Jupiter Way.
- Bird Road near Wintergreen (the frontage road below the Yakov Theatre).
- Animal Safari Road (off of Hwy 165).
- Cahill Drive (under the Hwy 65 bridge)
The city of Branson had also closed the following parks, particularly near Roark Creek and Lake Taneycomo, as of 2:30 p.m. Tuesday:
- Stockstill Park. City says will be likely be closed for several weeks until full cleanup and restoration can be performed.
- North Beach Park (north of Branson Landing). Due to overflow on some sewer manholes there.
- The Senior Center. An announcement will be made Wednesday morning whether lunch will be cancelled again tomorrow.
- Some of the RV visitors to the Branson Lakeside RV Park have been moved to higher ground, but the RV Park remains open for business.
A flash flood watch remains in effect through tomorrow evening (7/8) in much of the Ozarks.
Click here for the latest weather advisory information from the National Weather Service.
Click here for information on Missouri roads.
