Pulaski County, MO — Interstate 44 is closed in both directions near Jerome due to severe flooding in Pulaski County, disrupting travel between St. Roberts and Rolla. Officials urge drivers to seek alternate routes and exercise caution as flooding poses continued risks in the area.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the closure extends across a key section of I-44, affecting both eastbound and westbound lanes. Travelers are advised to detour via Route 63 (Rolla), then follow Route 60 to Route 65, which will reconnect to I-44 near Springfield. This detour is expected to add significant time to trips, especially for those heading through central Missouri.
Floodwaters from recent heavy rains have inundated low-lying parts of Pulaski County, raising safety concerns for both residents and travelers. Emergency personnel are closely monitoring conditions, with more rain forecasted later this week that could worsen flooding in the region. Authorities recommend staying updated through the Missouri Department of Transportation’s traveler information map at traveler.modot.org.