Seven people still missing in Fenton flooding

The Fenton neighborhood of St. Louis has flooded due to a flash flood of the Meramec River. Four people have been rescued and seven motorists are still missing.

Flooding in neighborhoods near the Meramec River. Photo by Jocelyn Augustino/FEMA

Seven motorists are still missing following a flash flood in Fenton, Missouri. The Westbound I-44 remains closed as the Missouri Management Agency continues searching for the missing people. The Red Cross has set up a shelter at the former Chrysler plant in Fenton.

The Meramec River has overflowed in Fenton, MO due to a flash flood. The rising flood water has swept seven cars off of Interstate 44, with westbound I-44 remaining closed. Four people have been rescued with seven motorists still missing.

The Governor has declared it a disaster area and is asking for federal help. In the meantime, Missouri Management has called in mutual aid to help in the rescue, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Missouri National Guard. A Red Cross has been set up at the former Fenton Chrysler plant for anyone in need of assistance.

According to Sally Waters, Deputy Director of the Missouri Management Agency, “Search and rescue for the people still missing is our topmost concern. The height of the water and fast-moving current has made that task challenging. We’re asking people to stay out of the area so we can do our work.”

A spokesperson for the Missouri Management Agency says this is the worst flash flooding to hit the area since 1993. At least 420 people have been forced to evacuate their flooded homes with more than 700 homes or businesses inundated.

Nine inches of rain fell in the two hours before the flash flooding was recorded at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, April 13, 2021.