Waynesville, Mo. — A flood warning has been issued for Roubidoux Creek near Waynesville as water levels are expected to rise above flood stage late Saturday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, minor flooding is forecast along Roubidoux Creek in Pulaski County, with the creek expected to crest shortly after midnight.
As of 7:30 a.m. CST Saturday, the creek measured 3.6 feet, well below the 7.0-foot flood stage. Forecasters expect water levels to rise rapidly this evening, reaching an estimated crest of 7.7 feet just after midnight before gradually falling below flood stage later overnight.
If the forecast holds, the crest will be comparable to a 7.6-foot crest recorded on March 13, 2019, according to National Weather Service flood records.
Minor flooding typically begins affecting low areas along Spring Road south of Business 66 in Waynesville when water levels approach 8.0 feet, which can lead to standing water on portions of the roadway and nearby low-lying areas.
Emergency officials emphasize that even shallow floodwaters can pose serious risks to drivers. The National Weather Service continues to urge residents to follow the safety message: “Turn around, don’t drown.” Many flood-related fatalities occur when vehicles attempt to drive through flooded roads.
The flood warning remains in effect from Saturday evening through late Sunday morning, as water levels are expected to rise tonight before gradually receding.
Residents in low-lying areas near the creek should monitor conditions and remain alert for possible road impacts overnight.
Additional river and safety information is available at weather.gov/safety/flood.
A brief overnight rise like this can also affect early-morning commuters if water briefly reaches nearby roadways.
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