Flash flood concerns for De Soto residents near Joachim Creek

DE SOTO, Mo. (First Alert 4) - A Monday flash flood warning in Jefferson County has residents on high alert in De Soto as the flood gage continues to rise at Joachim Creek.

“My concern is the homes going underwater or the people driving into the water and losing their lives,” said Susan Liley, advocate.

Liley said she has been part of an effort to help keep residents in the area safe.

“We have had four more buyouts just recently. One of them was torn down a week before last. So we are trying so hard to make room for this water because the water is not going to stop because this rain is going to get worse,” said Liley.

But when the area has seen rain like what arrived on Monday, Liley said she feels uneasy.

“I am concerned whenever we have a heavy rain,” she said. “I worry about it all the time.”

De Soto city officials said they are monitoring the situation.

According to the USGS flood gage, the Joachim Creek, a trouble area for the city, is just over 7.50 feet at last check.

Liley said at 8 feet, evacuation orders would begin.

“8 foot, they knock on the doors and tell people to evacuate. At 10 feet, 12 feet, 11 feet, it’s in the homes and at 17 we are all under water,” she said.

Liley said she hopes they can steer clear from any flooding disasters from Monday and Tuesday’s rain, but she knows that won’t always be the case.

“I have to bring awareness to this problem because if I don’t ,there will be more deaths and I can’t see that. I can’t, I just can’t see that,” she said.

To see the creek level, visit the USGS website.

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