Flood Rescues at St. Francois State Park After Heavy Overnight Rain

St. Francois Co., Mo. (KFMO) - Emergency crews carried out several water rescues Thursday morning at St. Francois State Park after heavy rainfall led to rising flood waters in the area.

St. Francois County Sheriff’s Sergeant Dallas Thompson says several inches of rain fell across the Parkland region from Wednesday into early Thursday morning.

Authorities say emergency responders were called between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m., after people inside the park became stranded as flood waters swept into the area.

Thompson says crews worked to safely remove the individuals and their pets from the rising water.

Emergency responders ultimately rescued six people and roughly five dogs from the flooded area of the park. According to officials, all of the individuals and animals were safely rescued by around 11 a.m. Thursday morning.

Officials remind residents and visitors to use caution during periods of heavy rain and flooding, and to avoid areas where water is covering roads or trails.