The National Weather Service office in St. Louis, Missouri issued a Flood Warning at 10:51 AM CDT on October 5, covering 35 areas across multiple states. The warning remains in effect until 1:00 AM CDT on October 7. A flood warning means flooding is already occurring or is imminent – this is more serious than a flood watch, which only means conditions are favorable for flooding.
Among the areas named are Calhoun and Pike counties in Illinois; Pike, Callaway, and Osage counties in Missouri; Polk, Poweshiek, and Tama counties in Iowa; Gage County in Nebraska; and Franklin County in Florida, plus 25 additional areas. Many of these locations sit along the Missouri and Mississippi river basins, where heavy rain upstream can push river levels above flood stage for days at a time.
What you might notice
If you live in or near one of the warned areas, expect water over low-lying roads, swollen creeks and rivers, and possible closures on rural routes that cross waterways. Basements and low-elevation properties near rivers may take on water. River levels often keep rising even after the rain stops, so conditions can worsen before they improve.
What to do
Never drive or walk through floodwater – six inches of moving water can knock a person down, and a foot can carry away a car. If your home is in a flood-prone spot, move valuables and important documents to an upper level and be ready to leave if local officials advise it. Keep phones charged and monitor local radio or weather alerts for updates, since warnings can be extended if rivers crest later than expected.
This data comes from the National Weather Service (NOAA), St. Louis forecast office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do right now?
Avoid driving on flooded roads and stay clear of riverbanks and creeks. If you live in a low-lying area, move essentials upstairs and be prepared to evacuate if local officials recommend it.
How long will this flooding last?
The warning runs through 1:00 AM CDT on October 7, but river flooding can linger past that if crests arrive late. The NWS will extend or cancel the warning as conditions change.
Is my town included in the warning?
The warning covers 35 areas including counties in Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and Florida, such as Pike, Calhoun, Polk, Tama, Gage, and Franklin. Check your local NWS office or county emergency management for your specific location.
Is it safe to drive through standing water?
No – water depth is hard to judge and the road underneath may be washed out. Turn around and find another route; most flood deaths happen in vehicles.
Keep tracking this:
Source: National Weather Service (NWS)
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Sky & Solar Conditions at the Time
Moon: Waning Crescent (28% illuminated), in Leo.
Notable planetary angles: Moon square Venus (90°), Sun opposite Saturn (179°), Mercury conjunct Venus (2°), Moon square Mercury (88°).
Concurrent space weather: planetary Kp index 2.7; strongest recent solar flare: nothing notable.
This is a factual snapshot, not a claim of cause and effect – researchers are divided on whether lunar, planetary or solar factors influence seismic or weather activity. It’s included so readers can track the pattern for themselves over time.
