Heavy rains that struck southern Missouri Friday led to multiple emergency operations, including an aerial evacuation of more than 200 campers and staff from Camp Taum Sauk in the tiny community of Lesterville.
Campers moved by helicopter after roads fail
Rising waters washed out roads around the camp, leaving children and adults unable to leave by ground, authorities said. The Army National Guard responded with Black Hawk helicopters to ferry the group to a nearby elementary school where families could be reunited. Sgt. Eddie Young of the Missouri State Highway Patrol described the situation as one in which the camp was effectively isolated by flood damage.
"We are beyond thankful for your help keeping our camp community safe."
The camp posted its thanks to emergency crews on social media late Friday evening.
Broader storm impacts and ongoing risks
The National Weather Service said the slow-moving storms affected a broad swath of the region, from the Ozark mountains in southern Missouri eastward into parts of the Ohio and Tennessee river valleys. Forecasters warned of the potential for damaging winds, heavy rain and scattered flash flooding through the weekend.
Missouri’s Emergency Management Agency urged continued caution, noting that additional thunderstorms could produce new flash flooding—especially in areas that have already recorded several inches of rainfall.
Local rescues and a continuing search
Beyond Camp Taum Sauk, emergency crews dealt with other flood-related incidents Friday. Near the Black River, campers at the Bearcat Getaway camp sought higher ground as waters rose; a building they had climbed onto later collapsed, officials said. In Reynolds County, three people who were stranded in trees over the Black River were rescued later that evening.
Authorities also reported that one person remained missing as search operations continued. Emergency teams from state and local agencies have been deployed to help with rescues and damage assessments.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Lesterville (Camp Taum Sauk), southeast Missouri |
| People evacuated | More than 200 |
| Aircraft used | Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopters |
| Missing | 1 person reported |
What residents should know
- Stay off washed-out roads—flood-damaged pavement can be unstable and hide hazards under water.
- Follow guidance from local emergency management and law enforcement for shelter locations and reunification points.
- Be aware that additional thunderstorms could produce flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas or places that already received heavy rain.
As the state continues recovery and search efforts, officials are monitoring forecasts in case more severe weather moves back over the region.
Photo note: Authorities said the airlift brought evacuees to a nearby elementary school for reunification with family members.
