Boaz, Missouri – Residents near the James River should brace for rising waters overnight as a flood warning goes into effect late Wednesday, with the river expected to crest at 10.5 feet by Thursday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, minor flooding is forecast along the James River near Boaz in Christian and Stone counties. The river was measured at 7.4 feet Wednesday evening and is expected to exceed its 10.0-foot flood stage just after midnight.
Low-lying areas near the river may flood, and officials warn that flows could be hazardous for canoeists or anyone near the riverbank. While the flooding is expected to remain minor, drivers are urged to avoid submerged roads—“Turn around, don’t drown,” the Weather Service emphasized.
This crest is comparable to a May 2020 flood event when the river peaked at 10.6 feet. Emergency managers recommend preparing now by moving vehicles and outdoor equipment to higher ground and avoiding unnecessary travel in affected areas.
The river is expected to fall back below flood stage by late Thursday morning. Another update is scheduled for 8 p.m. Thursday as water levels begin to recede.
