Missouri Flood: Cars Submerged in St. Louis Metro Area, Residents from Ladue Neighborhood Evacuated

Locals are being evacuated from their homes and cars in floodwaters across the St. Louis metro area. A flash flood emergency warning of a "life-threatening situation" has been issued for some areas of Missouri. This is the most severe and urgent flood warning that the National Weather Service has issued.

Flash Flood Warning, Rising Creek

A flash flood warning is in effect for St. Louis, Chesterfield, and University City until 11:45 a.m. The National Weather Service reports that the elevation of Dardenne Creek, St. Peters has now increased by 21.4 feet during the past 7.5 hours. One section of I-70 that is closed due to flooding is close to the creek.

Flood Swimming and Stranded Residents

In southwest St. Louis, according to a local TV reporter, families are swimming out of their homes as they are engulfed in floodwaters.

A stop sign by a roadside in the Brentwood region was almost completely covered in water, according to a photo posted online by KMOV-TV reporter Julia Avery. Northwest of the city, close to St. Peters, 12.35 inches of rain have been recorded as the highest total so far.

Amy Morten, a resident of St. Louis stranded in her apartment, posted pictures of her family's cars submerged in floodwaters in front of their residence.

Parts of I-70: Closed

I-70, as well as a number of other roads, are still partially closed because of flooding. The Missouri Department of Transportation's traveler information website offers the most recent information on road conditions.

Ongoing Rescue Operations

In some areas, locals are still being rescued from their homes and cars. The St. Charles County government issued a warning, advising citizens to stay inside if it is safe to do so and to avoid dialing 911 unless it is truly an emergency.

A tweet continued by stating that numerous roadways have been impacted by local flooding. If their home is not in danger, authorities advise residents to stay put. If you have to travel, it's a good idea to research your options first. Authorities also issued a strong reminder to only dial 911 in true emergencies and to avoid attempting to drive through flooded roads.

Strong Winds, Moving Rain

Just before 8 a.m., St. Louis Lambert International Airport measured a wind gust of 47 mph.

The majority of the flooding reports have come from St. Louis proper and the areas northwest of it, according to Chris Dolce, a senior meteorologist for weather.com. Another report logged 11 inches of rain.

The worst of it appears to be over, Dolce continued. Before it stops, there will be some localized moderate to heavy rainfall through mid-morning. Flooding is still occurring. The rainfall is moving east, so people in its track need to remain vigilant.

One creek west of St. Louis went up 20 feet due to the rainfall, which is moving east. Dolce also warned of flash flooding in many of these creeks as well as in urban areas. There is a chance of more rain tonight, he said, explaining that urban flooding and creek flooding were overwhelming the drains. There is still a chance for more flooding even though it won't be as intense.

Read also: Heavy Rain Threatens 1,200-Mile Area with Flash Flood Risk from Kansas to West Virginia This Week 

Panic And Fear

Ken Mebus, a resident of suburban St. Charles located on the northwest side of the city, spoke with Weather.com. A neighbor had knocked on his door to inform him that the basement was flooded. In the parking lot, water also rose, flooding several vehicles.

According to Mebus, there is fear and panic. especially given that it somewhat encircles the apartment. The only direction to go is up as everything was encircled by the flooding because of the way it was. For the most part, the river was close to the structure. The lot itself prevented the residents from leaving in any way. Mebus was uneasy because he had been observing the water rise steadily over the course of his observation.

In the basement flooding, Mebus and other locals lost personal belongings like clothes, memorabilia, and his washer and dryer. Mebus had previously tweeted that a flash flood was engulfing him and his family.

Related article: NWS Issues Multi-Weather Forecast for Heat Wave, Severe Storm, and Flooding This Week