DESOTO, Mo. — Louis Pratt has lived along Joachim Creek in DeSoto for nearly 50 years.
"It's what they call a flash. You get a heavy rain and it comes up real fast,” he said.
Pratt is as prepared for that as anyone can be. He still has sandbags in place from the last threatening rain, and he's even got his own weather station measuring conditions in his yard.
"In a way, it kind of gives you a pre-warning,” he said.
People who live along the creek need as much warning as possible.
"Over the years I've learned how to react to it,” Pratt said.
The creek is prone to flooding, and the city of DeSoto is looking to help people who’ve been impacted by its rising water over the years.
This month, they sent a letter to several federal lawmakers asking for money. The city manager says DeSoto wants to be able to buy properties from people who’ve been burdened by floods, so they can move out of harm’s way, but the city doesn’t have the funds to do it.
At the same time, the advocacy group Citizens’ Committee for Flood Relief says it expects a report from the Army Corps of Engineers this week with suggestions on how to improve flooding conditions in De Soto.
For now, though, all Louis can do is wait.
"This time, it's just a guessing game,” he said.