Flooding causes road closures as Meramec River crests

VALLEY PARK, Mo. (First Alert 4) – The cresting Meramec River has caused flooding in several communities along I-44, covering up some roads and even causing disruptions at a Jefferson County polling place.

The Missouri Department of Transportation closed down northbound and southbound lanes of Hwy. 141 under I-44 on Monday afternoon between Interstate 44 and Vance Road. MoDOT officials are urging drivers to avoid the area.

Several other cities along the Meramec experienced similar issues.

At Brookdale Farms, located near Eureka, Mo., much of the property is now submerged. Staff had been working to protect animals and salvage supplies in the days leading up to the flood.

Natalie Schultz, the farm’s marketing director, said the flooding would likely cause an extensive mess that could take days to clean up.

“It’s pretty deep,” said Schultz. “We definitely need to be quick in getting everything left behind. It’s all hands on deck.”

More than two-thirds of the farm is underwater—the second major flood event there in less than a year. Schultz said this time, the team had enough warning to prepare.

“We had about three to four days before we could clear out the venues that would be affected,” she said.

One building at the farm had been scheduled to serve as a polling place for Tuesday’s election, but with nearby roads submerged, Jefferson County officials were forced to move the location to a nearby firehouse in Eureka.

Scott Barthelmass, Chief of the Eureka Fire Protection District, said the flooding cut off access to much of the surrounding area.

“The election commission had to find a new location for the voters in this part of the county,” said Barthelmass.

So far, Barthelmass said, the community has avoided the kinds of emergencies seen during past flooding events.

“We’ve been fortunate. Everyone’s been staying out of the water and off flooded roadways,” he said.

Traffic disruptions along Hwy. 141 have also affected businesses near the closure, including Sugarfire Smoke House. Kris Glickert, a manager at the restaurant, said the reduced foot traffic has made a noticeable impact.

“It definitely impacts business a little bit, but the community’s good about ing us,” said Glickert.

With spring marking the start of a busy wedding season, Schultz said the farm is now focused on restoring the grounds.

Despite the setbacks, she said the team remains committed to recovery.

“Even though it seems like we’re getting pushed back, we’ll keep moving forward,” Schultz said.

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