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.
In a Wednesday announcement, the city said the NOAA National Water Prediction Service predicted the river at Pacific to rise to 28 feet by around noon Saturday.
Mayor Heather Filley said it's not if, but when, the area will flood. She is urging dozens of homeowners and business owners near the Meramec River to evacuate ahead of the major flooding anticipated for the area south of town.
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.
Sandbagging materials are available at the city's commuter lot.
"Residents are requested to bring your own shovel and valid transportation to transport the bags. The City will provide the bags and sand. 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.
"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 Center on 800 W Union St., which will be open 24/7 starting Thursday at 8 a.m. Mission Community Church at 2001 W. Osage Street 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 were asked to call City Hall at 636-271-0500.
