On Tuesday, Mark Twain National Forest officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service announced they were monitoring forecasts of severe weather over the next few days.
The forecasts, issued by the National Weather Service office in Springfield, indicated the possibility of rainfall in the double digits in parts of the state. As a result, Forest Service personnel began preparations and have been closely monitoring the water levels of local creeks and rivers as the storms impact the area.
Forecasts also include continued chances of high winds and hail, which has already impacted the area beginning with Wednesday’s storms. All are encouraged to stay tuned in to local weather stations for timely and accurate local weather conditions and updates.
Public safety remains important even now that the initial storm fronts have moved through, said officials.”If the storms stall out over southeastern Missouri, as predicted, rising rivers could inundate multiple Forest recreation sites,” they noted. As a result, Greer Crossing, Deer Leap, and Float Camp, all in the Eleven Point Ranger District, will be temporarily closed until the storm systems pass through.
In the Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs Ranger District, the season opening of North Fork Recreation Area will be delayed until the site can be evaluated for safety, once the weather passes. Gates are being closed at Bar K as well, as that low-lying site often floods during heavy rains.
The Houston/Rolla/Creek Ranger District expects Stone Mill near Ft. Leonard Wood to be impacted by higher water levels, so it also will be temporarily closed.
Forest Service personnel will continue to monitor recreation sites, roads, trails and other infrastructure and alert the public if more closures need to happen due to storm damage or flooding.
“The primary concern for everyone at Mark Twain National Forest is public safety, so please stay alert,” cautioned officials. “Do not drive through moving water, as just a few inches can carry a vehicle downstream with it.”
