Drone footage shows Missouri flash flooding hit southeast
Drone and video footage captured devastating Missouri flash flooding sweeping through southeastern communities on July 10, 2026, as the Black River surged past a record 28 feet. Governor Mike Kehoe declared a state of emergency as rescuers pulled dozens from flooded campgrounds—and a building collapse sparked a search for up to 17 people.
Key Takeaways
- More than a foot of rain fell in less than 12 hours across parts of southeastern Missouri, triggering a flash flood emergency in Reynolds and Iron counties.
- Rescue teams conducted more than 90 water rescues; five missing campers at Bearcat Getaway were later found alive.
- A building collapsed into floodwaters at a Reynolds County campground, with officials searching for up to 17 people who may have entered the water.
- Governor Mike Kehoe activated the state Emergency Operations Plan as additional weekend storms threatened more flooding.
What did drone footage show in southeastern Missouri?
FOX Weather reported that photos and videos from Reynolds County showed the Black River rising fast enough to fill homes and swamp campgrounds overnight. Portions of the region received more than a foot of rain in less than 12 hours on Friday.
State taskforce crews saved 40 people, including children, stranded at the Black River Lodge in Lesterville, according to the Fenton Fire Protection District. Specialized swiftwater teams from Missouri Task Force 1 and regional task forces deployed to Crawford, Reynolds and Iron counties.
What happened at the Reynolds County campground?
FOX 2 reported that a building collapsed into floodwaters at a Reynolds County campground Friday afternoon. Authorities launched a search for up to 17 people who may have entered the water, and the Reynolds County Sheriff's Office described the operation as active and rapidly evolving.
KSDK reported that five campers who had been missing from Bearcat Getaway were rescued. The Missouri State Highway Patrol located those individuals during the ongoing flash flood emergency.
Dispatch officials told FOX Weather that campers at multiple campgrounds needed rescue, with some climbing trees to escape rising water. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park and Meramec State Park were closed for the weekend.
How dangerous was the flash flood emergency?
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency for parts of Iron and Reynolds counties, warning that flood damage could be catastrophic. Affected communities included Lesterville, Annapolis, Viburnum and areas near Johnson's Shut-Ins and Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.
The Reynolds County Sheriff's Office said responders carried out more than 90 rescues involving residents, campers and motorists. Two rescue boats capsized in floodwaters, though crews recovered the responders safely downstream and no serious injuries were reported.
Will more rain worsen Missouri flash flooding?
Governor Mike Kehoe's state of emergency activation signals officials expect flooding risks to persist. The FOX Forecast Center warned that a flash flood threat could continue across southern Missouri on Saturday and Sunday as more storms move through.
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