Water begins to recede after weekend storms

NEW MADRID -- Water is apparently receding -- although slowly from many areas of the Bootheel.

New Madrid County, which had more than 11 inches of rain falling Friday night into early Saturday, had numerous reports Saturday of high water. By today, however, only a few areas were reporting continued water problems.

The reports of rising water had subsided to the New Madrid County Sheriff's Department but several areas with high water remain throughout the county.

Portageville, which canceled planned Soybean Festival activities Saturday, had several areas still flooded today. According to the Portageville Police Department some streets in low-lying areas were still covered by water and businesses along Highway 162 near the Interstate 55 overpass also continue to have problems from the water. Highway 162 also was still partially covered by water this morning.

Some 50 houses were reported damaged by high water on Saturday as crews worked to pump water out of Lilbourn throughout the weekend.

Jeff Glenn, district director for Southeast Missouri for Sen. Jim Talent, talks with Lilbourn Mayor Dale Ray as crews work to pump water from the city.

Jeff Glenn, district director for Southeast Missouri for Sen. Jim Talent, talks with Lilbourn Mayor Dale Ray as crews work to pump water from the city.

Dale Ray, mayor of Lilbourn, said some residents had just a few inches of water in their home while others had a foot of water.

Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt issued an executive order today declaring a state of emergency in response to tornadoes, high winds, hail and flooding that have impacted communities throughout Missouri.

Severe weather hit Phelps County Friday night. The counties of Butler, Crawford, Dunklin, Iron, Madison, New Madrid, Perry, Reynolds, Ripley and St. Francois have also been impacted.

"My thoughts and prayers are with those dealing with the aftermath of recent storms," Blunt said. "This Executive Order will help direct resources from the state of Missouri to our fellow citizens in need and is the first step towards obtaining federal assistance. We will continue to monitor the weather and the damage it has caused and will provide help wherever it is needed."

Blunt's Executive Order declares a state of emergency and activates the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan and directs state agencies to provide support in affected areas as needed. The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has also requested damage assessments for individual assistance to people who have lost their homes.

Water rose quickly Friday night and early Saturday creating problems for Lilbourn residents.

Water rose quickly Friday night and early Saturday creating problems for Lilbourn residents.