SPARTA, Mo. (AP) — Strong storms swept across parts of Missouri on Wednesday, flooding a popular state park and causing wind damage.
Live camera footage showed raging waters at Roaring River, a popular fishing destination 8 miles (12.87 kilometers) south of Cassville in Barry County, the Springfield News-Leader reports.
“This is a major, major flood today,” said Paul Spurgeon, Roaring River Hatchery manager. “We got about 3 inches in 40 minutes.”
The main concern is the hatchery building, which rests on the lowest area and is full of fingerlings, or baby trout.
“We’re trying to keep those guys going right now,” Spurgeon said.
Other flooded spots included Reeds Spring and a highway just south of the Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area in Christian County.
Meanwhile, reports of wind damage have come in from several places, including Branson, areas near Silver Dollar City, Highlandville and Sparta.
“We did have tornado warnings extended farther eastward, so we may be getting additional reports of wind damage from there,” said Megan Terry, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, adding that no tornadoes had been verified as of Wednesday afternoon.
