The Meramec River will flood by Friday. Pacific tells people to evacuate.
PACIFIC — City officials are encouraging residents and businesses here to evacuate by 6 a.m. Thursday, before the Meramec River is expected to hit major flooding levels Friday in the wake of significant rainfall across the region.
Valley Park, Eureka and St. Louis County officials are also bracing for Meramec flooding by closing roads and encouraging residents to prepare for high water.
The Meramec flooding comes after record-breaking rainfall fueled flash flooding across the St. Louis region Tuesday that killed two people in south St. Louis County.
The National Weather Service office in Weldon Spring said 3.89 inches fell between midnight and 4 p.m. Tuesday at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, a new record for the highest amount in a 24-hour period in the month of November.
The previous record was 3.56 inches on Nov. 18, 1921, according to the weather service.
The build-up of water in the Meramec basin isn't expected to crest in the riverside communities until Friday, based on projections and gauge information from the U.S. Geological Survey. Farther downstream, the river is set to crest on Saturday in Arnold, although the flooding there will be considered minor.
Pacific is supplying sand and bags at the city's Commuter Lot, and asks residents to bring their own shovels. And the Tri-County Community Senior Center, 800 W Union St., will be open as a shelter 8 a.m. Thursday on a 24/7 basis (if required) through Sunday, according to the city's Facebook page.
This story will be updated.
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