(Background) A Missouri Highway Patrol Trooper walks down a highway embankment on August 10, 2015 on U.S. Interstate 70 in Earth City, Missouri. (Photo credit should read Michael B. Thomas/AFP via Getty Images) / (L) Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe waits at Kansas City International Airport May 18, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Eric Lee-Pool/Getty Images)

OAN Staff Katherine Mosack
2:40 PM – Saturday, July 11, 2026

Search and rescue teams have rescued more than 350 people and recovered one body as of Saturday and continue to work in south-central and southeastern Missouri after days of flash floods hit several counties with six to 12 inches of rain.

The storms began Thursday night with heavy rain early on Friday that caused severe flooding along the Black River in Reynolds and Iron counties. This prompted rescue missions as residents were trapped on rooftops.

On Saturday, search and rescue teams also recovered the body of a Missouri woman who had gone missing on Friday when floodwaters overwhelmed her home in Crawford County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol said the body of Faith Gregory was recovered about a mile from her home around 11:30 a.m.

“It’s definitely not the outcome we were hoping for, but its a tragic reminder of how strong Mother Nature can be, and how forceful it can be,” Missouri State Highway Patrol Sergeant Eddie Young told FOX Weather.

 

Crawford County Sheriff’s Office said Gregory and her boyfriend called 911 for help at around 3 a.m. on Friday as they tried to escape quickly rising water inside their home, but a wall collapsed, sweeping her away.

200 of those who were rescued were children attending Camp Taum Sauk.

Lesterville residents reported downed trees on roads blocking their way out of the flooded area and houses being fully submerged in water in a matter of hours.

 

The Reynolds County Sheriff’s Office said two rescue boats also collapsed during the response, though all first responders involved were rescued safely.

Misourri State Highway Patrol shared a video of a boat sinking underwater in Black River, but assured anyone who saw the video that the two troopers on board “safely self-rescued” with no injuries.

“Floodwater is unpredictable and often hides hazards, even for those of us with specialized training and equipment,” highway patrol said.

 

If you see this video making the rounds on social media, everyone is OK.

One of our rescue boats capsized after the outboard motor became entangled with a submerged line. Two troopers immediately entered the water and safely self-rescued. No injuries were reported.

Floodwater… pic.twitter.com/h8XLhfu8zo

— MSHP General HQ (@MSHPTrooperGHQ) July 10, 2026

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe (R-Mo.) declared a state of emergency via executive order on Friday.

“Over the past 24 hours, intense storms have created dangerous flash flooding across several regions of Missouri, resulting in multiple swift-water rescues,” Kehoe. “Activating the State Emergency Operations Plan allows our agencies to move quickly, coordinate resources, and support local response efforts. I’m grateful for every first responder and local team member working around the clock to help save lives.”

 

“With additional heavy rain expected through the weekend, the threat is not over. If you’re camping, floating, or spending time near rivers and streams, move to higher ground and stay alert of weather conditions,” the governor continued. “Missourians should continue to monitor local forecasts and follow the guidance of local authorities.”

Rescue efforts remain ongoing in many southern Missouri counties as the affected areas are forecasted to experience additional rainfall. The Weather Prediction Center warns of “concerning” heavy rainfall across the Mississippi, Tennessee and Ohio Valleys over the weekend.

Today's extraordinary efforts reflect the very best of our state emergency response teams, resulting in hundreds of Missourians being saved from dangerous floodwaters.

We will continue supporting communities as response and recovery efforts move forward. pic.twitter.com/bompP0q8oZ

— Governor Mike Kehoe (@GovMikeKehoe) July 11, 2026

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