Flooding in Missouri kills two poll workers on Election Day: Highway Patrol

A couple working the polls together in Missouri died on Election Day after their vehicle fell into water.

A couple who worked polls together in Missouri died Election Day after their vehicle was swept away by flash floods, state highway police said.

The incident happened around 4:30 a.m. Tuesday and involved three vehicles that were taken off the road by water from Beaver Creek, a Missouri stream that begins in Douglas County and flows southwest through Taney County, Missouri State said Highway Patrol in a news report. edition shared on X.

While three people from two vehicles were able to escape the water by swimming to shore, two occupants in the third vehicle were found dead at 8:45 a.m., state highway police said.

The unidentified 70-year-old man and 73-year-old woman who died were from the Manes, Missouri, area, according to the release. Manes is located approximately 63 miles east of Springfield, Missouri.

“This is a terrible loss for Wright County,” County Clerk Loni Pedersen said in a statement. “These couple were wonderful people who donated their time to serve their community. We will dearly miss them and the service they provided to my office.”

NWS: Major flooding in Missouri

Major floods is occurring in some locations in the Ozarks, with locations in at least five counties east of Springfield reporting anywhere from 10 inches to 12.28 inches of rain in 48 hours, according to the National Weather Service office in Springfield.

More than a dozen locations in the eastern half of the state are expected to experience major flooding, according to the National Water Prediction Service. Roubidoux Creek, near Waynesville, Missouri, is expected to reach its record high after rising 16 feet in 24 hours since Tuesday evening.

Monday’s heavy rainfall broke records and prompted flash flood warnings. Conditions have become so dangerous that Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed an executive order Tuesday activates the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan in response to flooding and severe weather.

“With several areas of Missouri already impacted by this week’s storms and heavy rainfall, we want to ensure that state resources are available should further disruptions or damage occur,” Governor Parson said in a speech. press release.

“This action allows the state to be better prepared and ready to assist our communities with response and recovery. We urge Missourians to follow the directions of local authorities and emergency managers, use extra caution on the roadways and never drive in floodwaters.”

Wright County Sheriff: ‘Many county roads and low water crossings are flooded!’

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office shared one Facebook post from Monday saying, “Many state roads and low-water crossings are flooded! It is important to avoid driving, walking or swimming in flooded areas to avoid accidents and potential danger.”

The Wright County Clerk’s office was open on Election Day for voters who were unable to reach their polling place due to flooding or other circumstances. The office wrote this in a Facebook message on Tuesday.