By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Heavy rainfall across Missouri has led to flooding in several areas, but no major floods yet.
Benjamin Sipprell with the National Weather Service office in St. Louis says right now the greatest potential for flooding is along the Missouri and Meramec rivers.
"Those two basins combined received an average rainfall over the last 36 to 48 hours of roughly three to 3-1/2 inches, so with all that water coming into those basins, those areas are truly at risk right now," Sipprell said.
Sipprell adds that most flooding should be minor, but says homes right along the riverbanks could be under risk, especially in the Arnold and Valley Park areas west of St. Louis.
High water also threatened homes and apartments earlier today in University City.
MoDOT is reporting dozens of state roads across Missouri are closed due to high water.
"If there are any areas where there's water over the road, simply just turn around, don't take the risk of crossing any waterway whatsoever with your car, because even one foot of water can make your car float easily, and most deaths are attributed to automobiles in terms of flooding," Sipprell said.
Also, a strong thunderstorm hit the western Missouri town of Drexel, tearing roofs off buildings, blowing down trees, and knocking out power to the city's water plant.