St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann has declared a State of Emergency in the county because of the torrential rain and flooding that hit the area this week. Flash flooding caused severe damage to homes and businesses and caused closures of interstate highways and other roadways in St. Charles County.
“The thunderstorms and heavy rains that occurred on Monday and Tuesday, July 25 and 26, caused significant damage in multiple areas of the county, and residents and business owners will need to be in contact with their city or the County for assistance with inspections and available resources.” County Executive Ehlmann says. “By declaring a State of Emergency, residents and businesses may, if loss thresholds are met, be able to apply for state and/or federal funding for assistance.”
The County and affected municipalities are in the process of assessing damage to structures. If residents or business have questions about inspections, permits or debris their insurance will not pay to remove, they can call the appropriate number listed below.
- Unincorporated St. Charles County: 636-949-1898
- St. Peters: 636-477-6600
- St. Charles City: 636-949-3222
- O’Fallon: 636-240-2000
- Lake Saint Louis: 636-625-7982
- Wentzville: 636-639-2154
According to records from St. Charles County Emergency Communications, between midnight and 11 a.m., July 26, 87 persons were evacuated from homes or businesses in St. Charles County. The St. Charles County Police Department received 148 calls to 911 and dispatched officers to 162 incidents. Fire and EMS Dispatch received 129 calls to 911 and responded to 224 incidents.
“This amount of rain and flooding is unprecedented,” Ehlmann says. “In the early morning hours of July 26, emergency responders were receiving more calls for assistance than there were vehicles available. However, we later were able to assist St. Louis County with evacuating 70 persons. Our dedicated police officers, fire and EMS personnel and Regional Emergency Management staff are to be thanked and congratulated on their professional and timely response to this situation.”