Rolla, Mo., (April 1, 2025) — The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecasted a severe weather event moving through Missouri over the next few days. These storm systems could result in six to fifteen inches of precipitation over parts of the state. Forest Service personnel are preparing for the event and will be closely monitoring the water levels of local creeks and rivers as the storms move into and through the area. Predictions also include chances of high winds and hail. Please stay tuned in to local weather stations for timely and accurate local weather conditions and updates.

Public safety will remain important even after the initial storm fronts move through. If the storms stall out over southeastern Missouri, as predicted, rising rivers could inundate multiple Forest recreation sites. Greer Crossing, Deer Leap, and Float Camp, on the Eleven Point Ranger District will be temporarily closed until after the storm systems move through.

On the Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs Ranger District, the season opening of North Fork Recreation Area will be delayed until after the weekend and the site can be evaluated for safety. Gates are being closed at Bar K as well, as that low-lying site often floods during heavy rains. The Houston/Rolla/Creek Ranger District expects Stone Mill (near Fort Leonard Wood) to be impacted by higher water levels, so it also will be temporarily closed.

Forest Service personnel will monitor recreation sites, roads, trails, and other infrastructure over the coming days and will alert the public if any additional closures need to occur from storm damage or flooding.

The primary concern for everyone at Mark Twain National Forest is public safety, so please stay alert. Do not drive through moving water, as just a few inches can carry a vehicle downstream with it. Baseball-sized hail and up to 70 mph wind gusts are predicted to occur with the initial storms, so remaining indoors as these fronts move through is recommended.

The above press release is from The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service.