Black River Flood Evacuations

Heavy rain deluging the Midwest led to evacuation warnings and at least one postponed concert in Missouri April 25 as floodwaters from the Black River threatened to destroy levees in Poplar Bluff.

A Red Cross shelter has been housed at the 5,000-capacity Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff since April 24, where hundreds of area residents reportedly have found shelter. An April 30 Godsmack concert has been rescheduled for May 10.

“The Coliseum will continue to function as an emergency shelter until such time as the Red Cross and city officials determine residents can return to their homes or make other housing arrangements,” the venue website said.

Evacuations on a smaller scale reportedly took place around the state including Branson, where the tourist city’s camper park and an area along Lake Taneycomo were evacuated.