Poplar Bluff, MO – A flash flood warning has been issued for Butler and Ripley counties in southeastern Missouri as thunderstorms continue to bring heavy rainfall to the region. The warning, issued by the National Weather Service in Paducah, KY, is in effect until 1:15 AM CDT Saturday.
At 7:10 PM CDT, Doppler radar detected thunderstorms producing heavy rain, with some areas already receiving up to 1.5 inches of rain. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible as thunderstorms move through, heightening the risk of flash flooding. The heaviest rain is expected to affect the northwest portion of Ripley County, with more rainfall pushing into Butler County shortly.
Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin soon, particularly in urban areas, highways, streets, underpasses, and low-lying areas. Locations such as Poplar Bluff, Doniphan, Naylor, Neelyville, and Qulin are likely to experience flash flooding.
The National Weather Service urges residents to avoid flooded roads, emphasizing the importance of the “turn around, don’t drown” message. Most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.
For safety, avoid travel in flood-prone areas until conditions improve.
