April Storm Impacts & Services
Posted on 04/03/2025

Cape Girardeau city as a whole has been very lucky through the last few days of storms and tornadoes, but everyone in the area should remain alert to more potential severe weather and flooding through tonight (4/6/25). While the risk is lower, the risk persists.

There was less known tree and structure damage from the April 4 storm than April 2, but flooding issues remain this morning. Our Cape Girardeau Regional Airport was closed to air traffic as both runways were flooded. Some roads in town are barricaded, and the police department has asked drivers to avoid those areas even if the road appears passable. At least one motorist was stranded overnight driving through flooded roadways in town.

STORM CLEAN UP

  • Residents may request, by April 14, a free pickup of storm-damaged tree limbs. Limbs must be at the curb and then reported to Public Works by calling 573-339-6351, emailing [email protected], or using cityofcape.org/report. Visit cityofcape.org/yardwaste for more pickup and drop-off options.
  • For other types debris, drop-off at the Transfer Station or schedule a special pickup. Each residential trash customer is provided one free Wednesday Special Pickup per calendar year for large, bulky items or additional bags. Contact PW to schedule.
  • For any unmet needs or concerns, please contact the City Manager’s Office at 573-339-6320, or cityofcape.org/report

“We are so thankful for our crews, emergency personnel, and of course the volunteers showing up to help each other clean up and rebuild,” said Mayor Stacy Kinder. The Old Town Cape team was out early on Thursday helping businesses clean up, and the Cape Career and Technology staff and students were on-hand at Southside Farms. City fire and public crews will continue helping our regional neighbors in need. “So many citizens are stepping up to help in the city and in more heavily impacted areas around us,” said Kinder, “the weather has been awful but the community response has been amazing.”


CONTINUED SEVERE WEATHER & FLASH FLOODING
City residents may still experience first-ever flash flooding impacts across the city. A dangerous and potentially historic rainfall event will continue into Saturday night leading to potentially catastrophic flash flooding (NWS). Severe weather remains in the forecast. See protective reminders below ⚠️.


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FROM 4.2.25
UPGRADED TO HIGH RISK OF SEVERE - Forecasters expect *multiple days of* active, very dangerous weather and potentially historic flooding starting today. Stay alert to changing weather reports and be prepared. What typically floods in heavy rain, will be flooded again. City residents may also experience first-ever flooding impacts.

VIEW LATEST FORECAST from your trusted local weather teams or visit the National Weather Service online.

⚠️ Turn around don’t drown is also true in town! Remember, just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. Should many roadways flood, they may become impassible before they are barricaded (if ever during short-duration flash flooding). Avoid hydroplaning on wet roadways by driving slower, and properly inflating tires in good condition.

⚠️ Sewers inundated by rain could back up into homes and businesses. If you have a sewer backflow check valve – inspect it. Consider plugging basement drains. Read more.

⚠️ Be prepared for intense wind and new (flash) flooding. Consider the risk at your property and the location of sensitive items such as electronics, documents, or anything that could be damaged or taken away by heavy rains, winds, flooded basements, or waterways.

⚠️ Clear debris from gutters, downspouts, and drains on your property, and clear neighboring drains when safe to do so. Keep yard clippings and other debris out of the city roadways and storm system for the most efficient possible draining of stormwater.

⚠️ Anticipate some trees and limbs to fall.

⚠️ Utilities could be impacted. See a downed power line or smell a gas odor? Contact Ameren immediately and leave the area. Report and monitor utility outages at www.ameren.com.
All city departments have been preparing for this weather event. Call 911 for emergencies such as threats to life and property. Use non-emergency contacts for everything else such as www.cityofcape.org/report.