Heavy torrential rains struck Missouri on Monday, leading to severe flash floods that claimed at least five lives in the region.

The system dropped around 203 mm (8 inches) of rain over the region between Monday and Tuesday, leading to widespread floods and rescues. According to Lemay Fire Protection District spokesperson Jason Brice, fire crews rescued 10 people from flooded areas.

The flooding turned roads into rivers submerging entire streets and inundation homes with one couple saying that floodwaters reached a height of roughly 1.5 m (5 feet) in their garage.

Missouri state troopers recovered a 66-year-old man’s body after his car was swept off a bridge in Ironton on Monday.

Two poll workers were reported dead in Wright County after their vehicle was swept away by floodwaters at around 04:30 local time (LT) on Tuesday, November 5.

Two other deaths were reported in St. Louis County. One woman was found dead in Gravois Creek near Interstate 55; her body was recovered by firefighters from an SUV that was submerged under floodwaters on the highway. Another man was also found dead in the same area, but the cause of death remains uncertain as police are still investigating how the body got there.

Three people whose cars were swept away by floodwaters in Beaver Creek had to swim to safety, according to the State Patrol.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, at around 06:53 LT, Twin River Road near the highway had become impassable, and voters were advised to take a different route to reach the polling booths.

Flash Flood Warning continues for Saint Louis MO, Florissant MO and Chesterfield MO until 7:15 AM CST pic.twitter.com/vYyok3OI2c— NWS St. Louis (@NWSStLouis) November 5, 2024

Flash flooding closed several roads around St. Louis, including Hanley Rd. near Deer Creek. One couple says the water was nearly five feet high in their garage and basement. pic.twitter.com/Fl54L9gA1g— Spectrum News St. Louis (@SpectrumNewsSTL) November 5, 2024

The area is completely flooded and currently closed. Please use alternate route. #STLwx https://t.co/3l9e9vKaVe pic.twitter.com/Mlze52yUWl— St. Louis, MO Police (@SLMPD) November 5, 2024

The torrential rains were triggered by the same storm system that recently spawned several tornadoes across Oklahoma, injuring at least 11 people in the Oklahoma City.

Keli Cain, spokesperson for the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, stated that assessments of the damage were underway.