PACIFIC, Mo. — The city of Pacific encouraged residents to prepare their properties for flooding and evacuate by Thursday morning as the nearby Meramec River is expected to hit major flood stage.
The NOAA National Water Prediction Service predicted the river at Pacific to rise to 27 feet later this week.
"I'm a little nervous," said Mayor Heather Filley, adding that it's not if, but when, the area south of town will flood. She is urging dozens of homeowners and business owners near the Meramec River to evacuate ahead of the major flooding.
“It really is the heart and soul of where our town was founded that is going to take the most impact. The message to the folks is evacuate for your own safety as well as the safety of our first responders and utility workers who may need to respond to emergency situations," Filley said.
The flood plane was last hit by major flooding seven years ago. The city said that based on prior experience, flooding begins in the Jefferson Street area at 22 feet.
Officials encouraged all residents and businesses to evacuate by 6 a.m. Thursday, at which point the river was forecast to be at 25 feet, when 1st Street and Denton Road flood.
The city said it would shut off utilities once the flooding begins, and anyone who chooses to stay should be prepared. Flooding was expected to start receding Saturday morning but to not return below concerning levels until Saturday night.
“It’s very serious,” said Terry Ruyle, a long-time resident and the director of the Tri-County Community Senior Center.
Sandbagging materials are available at the city's commuter lot. Residents are asked to bring their own shovel and transportation for the bags.
"We ask that you be considerate of each other, so a bag limit does not need to be applied," the city said, adding that it was requesting additional bags to be delivered.
“The community consists of neighbors, and we want to be neighbors helping neighbors. I’m hoping for the best, ” said Jessie Dockins, who along with her fifth-grade son spent the day helping volunteers fill free sandbags and load them up for people.
“I hope the people, their families, their pets and their homes will be OK,” said Ben Dockins.
"Remember that returning to your residence may not be immediate," the city said, reminding people to take with them their essential items and medications. "Proper procedures shall be undertaken regarding utility turn-on, building and damage assessments for occupancy, and other post-event activities."
Any evacuees without a safe place to go can go to the Tri-County Community Senior Center at 800 West Union St., which will be open 24/7 starting Thursday at 8 a.m. Mission Community Church at 2001 West Osage St. is open to evacuees during the following times:
- 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Thursday,
- 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Friday, and
- 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.
Anyone with questions or concerns was asked to call City Hall at 636-271-0500.