Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe declared a state of emergency on July 10 after severe thunderstorms unleashed up to a foot of rain across the state's central and southeastern regions, triggering catastrophic flash flooding.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency for parts of Iron and Reynolds counties, where between 6 and 12 inches of rain fell from July 9 to 10. First responders conducted more than 90 rescues in the affected areas. At Bearcat Getaway campground in Lesterville, a structure collapsed under heavy rain, leaving roughly 20 people in floodwaters before helicopter evacuations brought them to safety. More than 200 children and camp counsellors were airlifted from the site. Two rescue boats capsized during operations, though all crew were recovered safely.
One woman remains missing after her home was swept away by floodwaters. Flash flood warnings remain in effect across multiple counties.