Photos: Flooding in Central Missouri • Missouri Life

On March 21, Governor Mike Parson declared a state of emergency in Missouri in response to worsening conditions along the Missouri and Mississippi River. The rivers continued to rise as small and large towns alike were affected. On April 29, flooding, tornadoes, and severe storms began to sweep through the state causing even more damage. The river remained well over flood stage due to rain, snowmelt, and other factors for several weeks. Multiple levees failed, inundating farmlands and communities along the river’s banks. The Katy Trail was closed in multiple places, and officials estimate that extensive repairs will be needed.

Below, photographer Notley Hawkins documents how small towns in Missouri have been affected this year by the rising flood waters.

One way Missourians looking to lend a hand can help is by visiting communities that were affected by the flooding. Many communities along the river rely on tourism as an economic driver, and simply paying a visit can go a long way. If you’re interested in donating or volunteering, here’s how you can help the victims of flooding in Missouri:

Volunteer at the Red Cross or donate here
Volunteer at United Way 211
Donate to long term recovery efforts in Missouri
Volunteer at United Way of Greater Kansas City
Click here for more information about ways to get involved in relief efforts.

The levy surrounding Mokane failed on June 5 causing Missouri River floodwaters to inundate the town and neighboring farmland. Volunteers spent most of the day on June 6 sandbagging around the town. Mokane Bar & Grill owner Eric Byrne had a foot of water in his establishment late Thursday evening.

A volunteer tosses a sandbag during flood relief efforts in Rocheport, Missouri. The Missouri River crested at 33.49 feet on June 4. During the great flood of 1993 the river crested at 37.1 feet. Sandbagging continues today in Rocheport and many other areas along the Missouri River.

Missouri River floodwaters flow past Glasgow in Howard County. Most of Glasgow is safe from the water because it was built on the high ground surrounding the river. But the farmland in West Glasgow and beyond have succumbed to the flooding. The river crested at 35.5 feet on June 5. During the great flood of 1993 the river crested at 39.5 feet.

Flooding along the Missouri River in North Jefferson City (Cedar City). Cedar City was platted in 1866 and incorporated in 1870. The town merged with Jefferson City in 1989. Most of the houses were cleared and razed after the 1993 flood.

Rivercene Mansion surrounded by Missouri River floodwaters in New Franklin. The owner has reported that there’s at least a foot of water on the first floor.

Flooding along the Missouri River in Boonville. The river crested at 33.01 on June 7. During the great flood of 1993 the river crested at 37.10 feet.

Residents check on flooded property in Franklin, Missouri. After the flood of 1827 the town was abandoned and moved to the nearby hill and was rechristened as New Franklin. The 2010 census counted 95 residents with 42 households in old Franklin.

Volunteers Russell Martin, Robert Brune, Orion Beckmeyer, and Justin Belew take a break after shoring up the main levy surrounding Hartsburg, Missouri. The Southern Boone County Fire Protection District has indicated the levy has not been breached yet. Flood fighting efforts will continue to take place around the Hartsburg area.

hartsburg citizens on tractors waiting for the next phase of flood control

Owners Jamie and Eric Byrne sit in front of the Mokane Bar & Grill with two of their children in downtown Mokane Missouri. They had about a foot of Missouri river flood water in their bar June 6.

Owners of Mokane Bar and Grill with their children after the Mid Missouri Flooding

#DiscoveryGram with Notley Hawkins

This week Notley Hawkins, a mid-Missouri based photographer, shared snaps he's taken from around the Columbia and Jefferson City area, as well as snaps from St. Louis, Kansas City, the Missouri River, and many roads, towns, and natural areas around the state. Here's a look at the photos Notley shared with us.

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