Mississippi: 13 killed in rare winter flooding

Evacuations are ongoing of businesses and homes inundated in rare winter flooding from the Mississippi River which continues to rock the state of Missouri. Reports say the Red Cross now has eight shelters across the state.

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon reveals that thirteen flood-related deaths have been reported, the governor made the announcement during a visit to Perry County, where a record crest is predicted for the Mississippi River in the area.

“Motorists should stay away from roads that have even a low level of water due to the fast-moving current of the flood waters. Nearly all of the people who died were in vehicles that drove onto flooded roadways.” Nixon warned.

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The governor also activated the Missouri National Guard to protect local communities and support emergency response personnel. He said he expects hundreds of guardsmen to be deployed in the St. Louis area and south.

In West Alton, about 20 miles north of St. Louis, 520 people were evacuated after water from the Mississippi overtopped the levee there, reports say.

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