US: Flooding continues in central US May 6 /update 1

Event

Flooding continues in the central US, particularly in the Missouri and Mississippi river basins, as of early (local time) Monday, May 6. At least four people have died in recent flooding and road closures and river traffic have been reported since Friday, May 3. The states of Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Arkansas, and Mississippi have been particularly affected, especially along the Missouri, Mississippi, Illinois, Osage (Missouri state), and White (Arkansas state) rivers. In many areas, flood levels are at the highest since the historic floods of 1993.

Thunderstorms are also forecast from Monday through Thursday, May 9, from Texas and the southern Plains across to the Great Lakes, including Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois. Further precipitation is expected to exacerbate current flooding. Flash flooding, river flooding, and other associated storm damage is possible in the coming days and may cause power outages and transportation disruptions.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate power outages and transportation disruptions, including road closures, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, and remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products.