Warren County Emergency Management Agency

TRAFFIC ALERT: Passing this along, courtesy of our colleagues with the Marthasville Fire Protection District . . .

SPRING FLOOD OUTLOOK: The National Weather Service has published the 2021 Spring Flood Outlook. Keeping in mind that it is the Spring Flood Outlook - not the Spring Flood Guarantee - current models suggest that while minor flooding is likely along the Missouri River in southern Warren County, the possibilities of moderate or major flooding do not really exceed (and in some cases are slightly below) historical norms. For the Missouri River at Hermann, there is a 10%-25% prob...ability of reaching minor flood stage (21.00 feet) as early as the week of March 1st, with that probability occasionally rising to 25%-50% throughout the Spring. Additionally, there is a 10%-25% probability of reaching moderate flood stage (26.00 feet) as early as the week of May 2nd. For the Missouri River at Washington, there is a 10%-25% probability of reaching minor flood stage (20.00 feet) as early as the week of March 7th, and that probability extends through the week of May 2nd. We'll keep things updated as we move into Spring and then Summer . . .

THIS DATE IN WEATHER HISTORY: The Mississippi Delta Tornado Outbreak occurred on February 21st, 1971. More than 50 reports of tornadoes and funnel clouds were received throughout that day, but the largest loss of life resulted from three powerful, long-track tornadoes that afternoon. Moving in parallel tracks at speeds over ground of more than 50 miles per hour (at one point the first two tornadoes were on the ground simultaneously for a period of about 45 minutes) they ro...ared into homes and towns where, due to the high water table, any type of below-ground shelter was pretty much non-existent. Sadly, 121 people lost their lives that day - 118 resulting from the three strongest tornadoes - and roughly 1600 were injured. The official NOAA report specifically mentions the lack of available shelter. Many of the survivors who were interviewed stated they were aware of the risk; they simply had nowhere to go. Some people sought shelter in ditches (which in some cases were filled with water, and in others were too far away to reach in time) and at least one person mentioned a highway overpass as shelter - a practice that is discouraged today. In several small towns along the tracks of the storms, it had been common practice to blow the siren at the local fire stations to recall firefighters to their stations. Those same sirens were blown as the storms approached, and several people stated they thought the siren meant a fire - not a tornado. Image courtesy of the National Weather Service.

WARMING CENTER HOTLINE ACTIVATED: The Emergency Weather Response Group hotline has been activated. Callers may leave a message with their first and last name, phone number, and whether or not they need transportation. They will receive a call back between the hours of 5:30 PM and 10:00 PM. Please pass along the hotline number (636-395-0492) to anyone who may need a warm place to stay overnight.

***POST IS OUTDATED*** Another round of accumulating snow will impact the area late tonight into Wednesday. The snow should begin across parts of central and so...uthern Missouri after 200 am and spread northeastward early Wednesday morning. The highest snowfall totals are forecast across southern MO and southern IL with amounts generally in the 2-4 inch range and isolated higher totals possible. Amounts will decrease northward. Travel will be impacted, especially the Wednesday morning rush hour. Plan on extra travel time. See more

FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR WARREN COUNTY UNTIL 7:15 PM CDT Flash Flood Warning for... Northwestern Franklin County in east central Missouri... Southeastern Warren County in east central Missouri...... Northeastern Gasconade County in east central Missouri... At 117 PM CDT, Doppler radar and automated gauges indicated showers producing heavy rain across the warned area. Two to four inches of rain has fallen in the last two to three hours. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by heavy showers. SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges. IMPACT...Flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses as well as other drainage and low lying areas. * Some locations that will experience flooding include... Washington, New Haven, Marthasville, Dutzow and Lyon. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause flooding of small creeks and streams, country roads, farmland, and other low lying spots.

Warren County is under an enhanced risk for Severe Thunderstorms today. There is a chance for Severe Thunderstorm to develop over the area later this afternoon into the evening 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The greatest risk from these storms will be damaging winds and hail. The potential exists for the development of isolated tornadoes.

The threat for isolated thunderstorms will continue into this afternoon. Watch for flash flooding in low lying areas.

Thunderstorms are likely to develop across East Central Missouri later tonight with localized heavy rainfall amounts between 1-3 inches possible. This heavy rainfall event may produce flash flooding in creeks, streams and low lying areas that typically flood during heavy rain events. A few storms are possible Tuesday afternoon and evening. The main threat with these storms will be the potential for localized flash flooding and wind gust of up to 60 MPH.... SAFETY MESSAGE FOR THIS EVENT! Don't attempt to drive across low water crossing if road is covered by water; TURN AROUND DON'T DROWN.

PLEASE SHARE! The more people we get tested on this date from our county, the better data we will have to tell us the prevalence of COVID-19 in Warren County. You do NOT need to have any symptoms and it is FREE!! Again - NO SYMPTOMS NECESSARY- this is a sampling by DHSS and Missouri National Guard to see where we are in Missouri counties with little testing to date. Less than 2% of our county has been tested. This is a great FREE opportunity for our county. See below for how to -re-register. This is a DRIVE THRU event.

Flash flooding will be possible with this system. Please watch low lying areas for rising water and remember to Turn Around Don’t Drown!

There is a chance for thunderstorms later this afternoon and evening. Hail appears to be the main threat with the possibility of damaging winds. Stay weather aware as we continue through the day.

Social distancing saves lives.

just a friendly reminder The Governor's Stay at Home Order still remains in effect until 12:01 AM on May 4, 2020.

Continue working together to stop the spread. Follow these guidelines to help do your part!

Beginning this Friday the National Guard will be assisting the district with our food distribution. We thank the County Health Department, DESE, and the National Guard for making this happen in Wright City and 10 other districts in the state of Missouri. #wildcatpride #wildcatstrong

Over the past few weeks we have been in contact with Seniors and our most vulnerable population in our county and making sure their needs are being met. Wheth...er its folks that have difficulty getting around or underlying medical conditions that don't allow them getting to the store. We asked for them to just give us call and will put them in touch with the right person. For example; If it just means picking up their meds we will help arrange "no-contact" drop off for them. Do you know of someone that may need help? Please Call us! 636-456-7474 (pictured Peggy Privett) From all of us at the Warren County Health Department we hope you are doing well and practice social distancing so we can beat this virus. # stopthespread #flattenthecurve COVID-19 www.warrencountyhealth.com See more