The National Weather Service office in St. Louis has issued a Flood Warning covering 53 areas across parts of Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa. The warning was issued at 10:08 PM CDT on October 3 and remains in effect until 7:00 AM CDT on October 7.
A Flood Warning means flooding is already occurring or is imminent — this is a step above a Flood Watch, which only means conditions are favorable. Among the counties and areas named are Calhoun, IL; Pike, MO; Pike, IL; and a broad stretch of eastern Iowa including Polk, Black Hawk, Marion, Warren, Jasper, Louisa, and Muscatine counties, with more than 40 additional areas also covered. This wide footprint suggests flooding along rivers and low-lying areas fed by recent heavy rainfall across the region.
Residents in the warned areas may notice water over roadways, closed or impassable low-water crossings, rising creeks and rivers, and possible water in basements or low-lying properties. River levels in affected watersheds are expected to remain elevated through the weekend and into early next week, which is why the warning extends through October 7.
What to keep in mind
Never drive through floodwater. Just six inches of moving water can knock a person down, and a foot or two can carry away a vehicle. If you encounter a flooded road, turn around — most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
Move valuables and essentials to higher ground if you live in a flood-prone spot, and be ready to leave if local officials advise it. Keep phones charged and have a way to receive weather alerts overnight.
Monitor local updates. River crest forecasts and road closure information will be updated by your county emergency management and local NWS office as conditions change through October 7.
This information comes from the National Weather Service (NWS) St. Louis office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do right now if I'm in a warned area?
Avoid driving through any flooded roadway, move items out of basements or low areas if flooding is likely near you, and keep weather alerts enabled on your phone. If local officials issue evacuation guidance, follow it promptly.
How long will this flooding last?
The warning runs through 7:00 AM CDT on October 7, meaning rivers and low-lying areas are expected to stay above flood stage for several days. Levels should gradually recede after cresting, but timing varies by location.
Is my area included in this warning?
The warning covers 53 areas including Pike County (MO and IL), Calhoun County, IL, and Iowa counties such as Polk, Black Hawk, Marion, Warren, Jasper, Louisa, and Muscatine, plus 43 others. Check your local NWS forecast office or county emergency management for your specific status.
Is it safe to drive through water that doesn't look deep?
No. Flood depth is hard to judge, the road underneath may be washed out, and even shallow moving water can sweep a vehicle away. Turn around and find an alternate route.
Keep tracking this:
Source: National Weather Service (NWS)
Related Reading
- Emergency Communication: Staying Connected When Towers Go Down
- Earthquake Survival: Precautions, Kit & Early Warning in 2026
- Essential Guide to Preparing for a Nuclear War
Sky & Solar Conditions at the Time
Moon: Last Quarter (50% illuminated), in Cancer.
Notable planetary angles: Sun square Moon (90°), Moon square Saturn (89°), Mercury square Mars (91°), Sun opposite Saturn (179°).
Concurrent space weather: planetary Kp index 3.0; 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.
