2 poll workers among those killed in Election Day flooding in Missouri
Election Day 2024: Millions head to the polls to vote
After an election season marked by concerns over disinformation, foreign influence and worrisome threats to election workers and voting systems, Election Day unfolded relatively smoothly nationwide with only scattered disruptions and delays. LiveNOW from FOX host Stephanie Couiegnoux spoke to political analyst, Richard Gordon on the latest.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - On Tuesday, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signed an Executive Order activating emergency operations in response to flooding and severe weather in parts of the state that have left at least five people dead.
According to FOX Weather, the storms and flooding have left multiple people dead, including two poll workers.
Election workers were on their way to work at a polling location, when they were swept away by floodwaters in southwest Missouri, according to local news outlet KY3.
"With several areas of Missouri already impacted by this week’s storms and heavy rainfall, we want to ensure state resources are available should further disruptions or damage occur," Parson said in a statement. "This action enables the state to be better prepared and ready to assist our communities with response and recovery. We urge Missourians to follow the direction of local authorities and emergency managers, use extra caution on the roads, and never drive into floodwaters."
The flooding has caused polling places to close. Parson said if you are a registered voter in St. Louis city or county and can’t access your polling place, you may cast your ballot at any official polling location within the city or county, respective to the jurisdiction in which you are registered.
St. Louis receives record rainfall
St. Louis International Airport has broken multiple rainfall records. As of Tuesday morning, the airport had already received 3.25 inches of rain, surpassing the previous daily record of 1.62 inches set in 1956.
Floodwaters in St. Francois County, Missouri. (Credit: Bismarck Fire Protection District)
The unprecedented rainfall event also set a new record for the highest 24-hour rainfall total for the month of November. With over 6.4 inches of rain falling since Monday, the airport shattered the previous record of 3.56 inches set on Nov. 18, 1921.
The nearly 7 inches of rainfall in a 24-hour period caused Deer Creek to overflow its banks, submerging major streets in Maplewood, Brentwood and Webster Groves, FOX 2 in St. Louis reported.
The deluge forced the Brentwood School District to cancel classes Tuesday due to power outages and flooding.