Flood Warning in Effect for Petite Saline Creek Near Boonville Through Saturday
Petite Saline Creek near Boonville is already above flood stage and forecast to crest at 21 feet Friday afternoon, threatening roads and low-lying land in Cooper County.
BOONVILLE, MISSOURI — The National Weather Service office in Kansas City/Pleasant Hill issued an extended Flood Warning for Petite Saline Creek near Boonville, affecting Cooper County, with minor flooding already underway and moderate flooding expected before conditions improve Saturday.
The warning, issued June 26 at 1:30 a.m. CDT, remains in effect until June 27 at 12:28 p.m. CDT. As of 12:30 a.m. Friday, the creek had already reached 16.1 feet, just above the established flood stage of 16.0 feet.
Forecast: Crest Expected Friday Afternoon
NWS forecasters project the creek will rise to a crest of 21.0 feet Friday afternoon before beginning to recede. The waterway is expected to fall back below flood stage just after midnight Friday night into Saturday morning.
The creek is forecast to remain above flood stage for much of Friday, with conditions gradually improving ahead of the Saturday afternoon warning expiration.
What to Expect at Various Water Levels
According to the National Weather Service, rising water at different stages brings specific impacts to the area around Boonville:
- At 16.0 feet: Low-lying woodlands and fields near the creek begin to flood.
- At 19.5 feet: The creek floods U Highway approximately 4 miles southeast of Boonville.
With the forecast crest reaching 21.0 feet, water levels are expected to surpass both of those thresholds during the warning period, potentially cutting off U Highway southeast of town for a period Friday.
Safety Reminder for Residents
The National Weather Service urges residents in flood-prone areas near Petite Saline Creek to monitor conditions closely and avoid flooded roadways. Additional flood safety guidance is available at weather.gov/safety/flood.
Cooper County residents and travelers in the Boonville area should plan for possible road closures and stay clear of the creek and surrounding low-lying areas until the warning expires Saturday afternoon.
