August 17th, 2026 Local News
Reynolds Co., Mo. (KFMO) - Emergency responders continue working across Reynolds County following catastrophic flooding that has resulted in more than 90 water rescues and widespread damage throughout the county.
According to the Reynolds County Sheriff's Office, rescue crews have responded throughout Friday to assist residents, campers and motorists trapped by rapidly rising floodwaters in and around the Lesterville area.
Earlier Friday afternoon, authorities confirmed that the five campers previously reported missing from Bearcat Getaway Campground had all been located and accounted for.
Shortly after that announcement, emergency crews were dispatched to a new emergency at the campground after a building reportedly collapsed into floodwaters. Initial reports indicated that between 10 and 17 people may have entered the water as a result of the collapse, prompting an extensive search and rescue operation.
In an update issued around 5:30 p.m., the Sheriff's Office announced that every individual involved in the building collapse had been successfully rescued. Officials also confirmed that all people previously reported missing or unaccounted for have now been located.
Despite the successful rescues, emergency crews remain busy responding to additional flood-related calls, assessing damage and assisting residents throughout Reynolds County.
The dangerous conditions also impacted first responders. During rescue operations, two rescue boats carrying emergency personnel capsized in the swift floodwaters. Fellow emergency responders recovered everyone aboard both boats downstream, and officials reported no serious injuries.
Travel throughout Reynolds County remains hazardous. Numerous roads remain closed due to flooding and washouts. Authorities say Highway 21 just north of the Highway N junction has sustained roadway damage. The Missouri Department of Transportation plans to install a temporary traffic signal, reducing traffic to one lane until repairs can be completed.
Officials continue urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel, respect all road closure signs and barricades, and never attempt to drive through flooded roadways under the "Turn Around, Don't Drown" campaign.
The Reynolds County Sheriff's Office expressed appreciation to the many agencies involved in the response, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri State Emergency Management Agency, Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Transportation, Reynolds County Emergency Management, Reynolds County 911, Ellington Fire Department, Northern Reynolds County Fire Protection District, West Plains Fire Department, EMS agencies, volunteer fire departments, neighboring law enforcement agencies and numerous local, state and federal partners.
Although everyone previously reported missing has been found, officials stress that the flooding emergency is ongoing. Floodwaters remain dangerous, road conditions continue to change rapidly, and emergency personnel remain deployed throughout the county.
Residents are encouraged to avoid the Lesterville area unless travel is absolutely necessary and continue monitoring official Reynolds County Sheriff's Office updates for the latest information.