Heavy rains flood roads in Missouri’s bootheel region

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – April showers may bring May flowers, but in Missouri’s Bootheel, they’re also bringing flooded roads and travel headaches.

Persistent rain this spring has caused widespread flooding in low-lying areas near the Mississippi River, prompting multiple road closures across southeastern Missouri.

“It’s usually wet this time of year, but I can’t remember the last time we had this much rain and this many closed roads,” said Tammy Hefner, assistant district engineer for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). “It’s probably been five to seven years since we’ve seen flooding like this.”

According to Hefner, several roads remain underwater in the Bootheel region. Many of these are low-lying routes prone to flooding when the Mississippi River rises.

“We’re constantly monitoring them,” she said. “Once the water recedes, we’ll get them reopened. But right now, the Mississippi River is still high.”

MoDOT has pre-positioned barricades and signage on trailers in anticipation of flooding, enabling crews to respond quickly when water begins covering roadways. Hefner emphasized the importance of driver safety during this time.

“The biggest thing is — don’t try to drive through flooded roads,” she said. “If you see barricades, don’t go around them. The road could be damaged beneath the water. Turn around, don’t drown.”

MoDOT has also deployed “skeleton crews” to monitor flood-prone areas and ensure roads are closed promptly when conditions become dangerous.

Drivers who encounter flooded or questionable road conditions are encouraged to report them by calling 1-888-ASK-MODOT.