McCarty and West Main streets close where floodwaters rise

Nick Smith, owner of Red Wheel Bike Shop, surveys the rising water as he stands on the steps of his West Main Street business Thursday, May 30, 2019.  He said his shop should stay dry until water reaches the 34-foot mark.
Nick Smith, owner of Red Wheel Bike Shop, surveys the rising water as he stands on the steps of his West Main Street business Thursday, May 30, 2019. He said his shop should stay dry until water reaches the 34-foot mark.

The only east/west routes open through Jefferson City's downtown area are High Street and U.S. 50, as of late Thursday morning.

Both McCarty Street and West Main Street in the Millbottom area were closed as backwater from the Missouri River continued to rise, public works officials said.

Those who travel from east of Jefferson City to work in the downtown area are being asked to take the Lafayette Street exit and take city streets to get to their destination, with the hope of easing traffic on U.S. 50.

Portions of Missouri Boulevard, Elm Street and Broadway Street also are closed.

With a new crest of 32.8 feet forecast by Monday, other streets such as those around Washington Park are nearing the point of closure with water backing up from Wears Creek, which gets backflow from the Missouri River, officials added.

Kansas Street, between Missouri Boulevard and Georgia Street, is closed due to flooding.

The Washington Park Ice Arena and Vivion Field can be accessed from Virginia Street and Myrtle Avenue. Also in Washington Park, Michigan Street and Ohio Street will remain open to access the tennis court complex.

Jefferson City Parks and Recreation officials announced Thursday afternoon that KidsFest, scheduled to take place Saturday on High Street, had been canceled as organizers felt the closure of High Street would further compromise transportation and public safety. KidsFest will not be rescheduled.

Oak Hills Golf Center, Memorial Park Family Aquatic Center and Ellis-Porter Riverside Pool will maintain normal operating hours. Further ark event updates can be found online at jeffersoncitymo.gov/parks.

The Jefferson City website lists the latest information on flooding and tornado recovery, city officials noted. A link on the website's homepage shows flood maps that are updated with street closings.

Weather resources:

Eastern Missouri river stages

Western Missouri river stages

Mid-Missouri forecast, radar

Ameren's Truman and Bagnall Dam daily report

Missouri state highway road closings