Many Texas County schools adjourned Wednesday as the area begins assessing the damage caused by flooding Tuesday.
On Tuesday night, the American Red Cross opened a shelter at the Houston Storm Shelter at First and Pine streets. The state also activated an emergency operations plan needed to bring resources to the region hammered by rain.
Montauk State Park is closed due to damage.
Traffic remains heavy in Houston as Interstate 44 is closed in Pulaski County and U.S. 63 is the detour.
School districts have announced plans for Thursday.
Cabool School District continues snow routes
Posted at 5:22 p.m. – “With many of our back roads still unsafe for buses to travel due to the recent floods, the district will continue to operate on “Snow Routes” for the remainder of the week. We have been in contact with local township and county representatives regarding road conditions and appreciate their dedication to repairing roads as quickly as possible,” the Cabool School District said this evening.
Snow route information can be found here: https://bit.ly/3YtVXPC#BulldogSafe
Licking classes in session Thursday
Posted at 5:13 p.m. – Licking R-8 School District will be open tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 7.
Bus route delays are expected for both morning pick-up and afternoon drop-off.
“Please be patient as our bus drivers take extra caution on roads,” the school said in a statement.
Houston to hold classes Thursday
Posted at 5:11 p.m. – The Houston School District will be in session tomorrow.
“Please understand there may be delays, re-routing and adjustments to bus routes due to washed out roadways as well as traffic congestion in the area from Interstate 44. Thank you, in advance, for your flexibility and understanding. Bus drivers may be in touch with families on their respective routes with any concerns or issues. As student and staff return to campus, we encourage all to be safe and exercise wisdom during travel,” according to a district statement.
Baptist Camp Access Bridge is closed…again
Posted at 3:59 p.m.: Damaged by fire in November 2022 and now by the force of the Big Piney River Tuesday, the Baptist Camp Access Bridge is closed again. The force of the water is evident. On Wednesday afternoon, Springfield television reporting staffers from Fox and CBS were on the scene, where the bridge sustained more damage on the west end than on its east portion.
After the fire, the bridge was rehabilitated and traffic for residents of the neighborhood reopened earlier this year.
While there are no barricades in place, the bridge is closed.
Fort Leonard Wood East Gate closed
Posted at 3:30 p.m.: Fort Leonard Wood’s East Gate is closed and will remain closed Thursday, Nov. 7, and Friday, Nov. 8, due to the recent flooding of the Big Piney River.
Unscheduled leave and maximized telework remain in effect now through Friday, Nov. 8. Employees should check with their immediate supervisors for more details.
MoDOT helping with traffic locally
Posted at 3 p.m.: MoDOT is helping control traffic lights in Houston. An employee was stationed in front of Simmons Bank in Houston controlling the traffic signals. Traffic remains heavy throughout the community.
Traffic bumper-to-bumper in Texas County on U.S. 63 after I-44 closure
Posted at 2:50 p.m.: The I-44 closure has widened MoDOT reports. Interstate 44 is now closed from mile marker 163 to mile marker 184 due to flooding.
Aftermath of damage at Sand Shoals Bridge
State closes Montauk State Park
Posted at 11:37 a.m.: Due to significant flooding, Montauk State Park is closed until further notice. Park crews are responding and assessing safety concerns and damage to the infrastructure. The state park is east of Licking.
As floodwaters recede, they will gain a better understanding of the extent of the damage and the scope of work necessary to reopen the park.
Highway 32 between Success and Licking remains closed as pavement disappears
Piney River crests at 28 feet at Fort Leonard Wood on Tuesday, officials say
Damage found in numerous places in Houston School District
Significant damage on Union Road west of Houston, residents say
A look at Union Road and a bridge after flood waters receded.
I-44 closes in Pulaski County; detour will run through Texas County, MoDOT says
The closing of Interstate 44 in Pulaski County will bring motorists through Texas County as part of a detour.
Both directions of Interstate 44 in Pulaski County between St. Robert and Rolla are closed due to the Big Piney River flooding Wednesday morning. The closure is expected to last several hours.
To avoid the closure, eastbound drivers on I-44 should exit at U.S. Route 65 in Springfield to use U.S. 60 to U.S. 63 in Rolla. Westbound drivers on I-44 should exit at U.S. 63 in Rolla to use U.S. Route 60 to U.S. 65 in Springfield.
As of Wednesday morning, more than 100 roads across the state are closed due to flooding. Travelers are advised to check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at traveler.modot.org for current conditions and routes to avoid.
Hygiene kits needed at Houston, Mo., shelter
From Roby Fire Department: “To the members of the community close to Houston we are needing eight or more hygiene kits for the shelter that is being established in Houston for those affected by the historical flooding we have had. Chief Robbie Smith, of Houston Fire, is overseeing the shelter along with the American Red Cross. ‘All donations will be appreciated and will need to be dropped off at the shelter in Houston by the post office,'” said Chief Jeff Reed.
Special procedures in place at FLW
Due to flooding in the surrounding area, unscheduled leave is in effect at nearby Fort Leonard Wood now through Friday, Nov. 8, for those personnel who may be affected. Supervisors should maximize telework for employees who may have travel complications due to flooding. Persons can check with their immediate supervisor for more details. For weather and facility updates please check, https://home.army.mil/wood/index.php/Garrison/weather for more information.
