River below flood stage after 53 days

Flood damage is shown from the Missouri River in northern Jefferson City along Cedar City Drive. The recent stretch of flooding lasted 53 days, from May 21 to July 13.
Flood damage is shown from the Missouri River in northern Jefferson City along Cedar City Drive. The recent stretch of flooding lasted 53 days, from May 21 to July 13.

The Missouri River at Jefferson City fell below flood stage levels Saturday for the first time in 53 days.

With flood stages beginning at 23 feet, river levels at the gauge have been above that threshold since May 21. This recent flooding reached its crest at 33.44 feet on June 5, the fourth-highest in recorded history.

As of midday Monday river levels were recorded at 22.52 feet, and are predicted to hover around that level in the near future.

"During my conversations with local farmers along the river, I know they are now able to better assess damage to their property," Callaway County sherriff Clay Chism said.

Due to the lower river levels, FEMA will also be able to assess damages in the county to determine Callaway's inclusion in the declaration of disaster, said Adam Gresham, chief of staff for the lieutenant governor's office.

This recent round of flooding has been one of the most devastating in Callaway County history. Numerous highways have been closed, a number of businesses have suffered significant losses in damages and loss of business and farmers missed key opportunities to plant for the season. The Jefferson City Municipal Airport was also closed for 51 days.

By comparison, in 2011, river levels at Jefferson City were above flood stage from late June to late August, a period of approximately 60 days. The river's peak during that flood was 27.23 feet, far below the crest for this year's flood.

Additional weather resources:

Mid-Missouri forecast, radar

Eastern Missouri river stages

Western Missouri river stages

Corps of Engineers Missouri River basin reports

Ameren's Truman and Bagnall Dam daily report

Missouri state highway road closings