Gasconade River still rising after weekend storms

PULASKI COUNTY, Mo. – Water is still covering many roads in Pulaski County as of Tuesday, June 11, following a weekend of heavy rain.

The Sheriff’s Office says the Gasconade River was still rising. OzarksFirst meteorologists confirmed the river is expected to crest on Wednesday.

The Gasconade is the one causing issues for residents near Richland, as they deal with day three of flooding issues.

“Pray real hard we don’t get flooded again like this,” said Hector Silva, the director for Pulaski County Office of Emergency Management.

Residents near Richland tell OzarksFirst they aren’t totally stuck, they just have to go a longer way around.

“A lot of roads are being washed out,” Silva said. “The main thing that I’m seeing is it’s making it harder on the people in the county to travel and drive to their places of destination or work.”

Rio Road near 7 Highway was blocked in at least two different places.

Just 15 minutes away, Riddle Road is completely covered, despite the water being down from Monday.

“The worst is between yesterday and today,” Silva said.

The Office of Emergency Management says they thankfully have not had to rescue anyone from floodwaters.

“If you’re not sure, don’t cross it,” Silva said. “I recommend not crossing at all over low water because we know that even a small amount might just move you away and then you can be in peril.”

Silva says he hasn’t heard much about flood damage yet but he expects it to show up in the near future.

“One of our resorts, Gasconade Hills, and they were reporting that some of their banks embankments are starting to erode because of all the massive amount of water coming in,” Silva said.

Emergency management says as one part of the river recedes, another part could rise. Remember if you come across a flooded road  —  Turn around, don’t drown.

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