BREAKING NEWS!

By Annabeth Miller, ShowMe Times Editor

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri’s governor activated the National Guard to help respond to flooding and threats to levees in Southeast Missouri.

Gov. Jay Nixon today activated the Missouri National Guard to help with response efforts in southern and Southeast Missouri impacted by flooding and threats to levees after recent rains.

"I have directed Maj. General Danner to immediately move Guard units into place where they can best help in protecting health and property," Nixon said. "The Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen of the Missouri National Guard have demonstrated their ability to help with natural disasters numerous times over the years, most recently in the work they did before, during, and after the blizzard and record snowstorm this winter. I have full confidence in the Guard to assist local emergency officials around the state."

Under the Nixon's order, Guard units will be deployed immediately to support local emergency agencies. Nixon has been receiving updated briefings from his emergency management team, including senior officials from the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Missouri National Guard, Missouri State Highway Patrol and State Emergency Management Agency to assess the current weather situation and review the latest forecasts.

The Missouri National Guard will provide assistance to those local officials right away in communities that are experiencing major flooding right now, or which expect to see major flooding this week. Their efforts will include assisting local emergency responders with threats to levees near Poplar Bluff and other communities.