Mississippi River Flooding: What St. Louis Drivers Need to Know About Closures
St. Louis sits right where the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers meet, and flooding along both closes real roads most years, not just in rare emergencies. Here is what actually happens and how to stay ahead of it.
Which Areas See It Most
- South County roads near the river bottoms, including stretches that have closed on and off for months during high-water years
- Interstate exits and connector routes near the riverfront that MoDOT closes when water reaches certain levels
- Low-lying county roads that flood well before any major highway does
Never Drive Through Standing Water
Just two feet of moving water can carry away most vehicles, and flooded roads are consistently one of the more dangerous, underestimated hazards drivers face. It is never worth the ten minutes saved to find out how deep water actually is by driving into it.
How to Check Real-Time Conditions
MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map lists current closures and updates on numbered and lettered routes across the region, and is worth bookmarking if you regularly drive near the river. Local news traffic pages also track closures as they are announced, especially during an active flood event.
If You Get Stuck
A car that stalls in even shallow standing water should not be restarted — water in the engine can cause serious damage well beyond what a tow and dry-out can fix if you keep trying to start it. Get to higher ground safely and call for a tow rather than attempting to drive it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water can actually move a car?
As little as two feet of moving water can carry away most vehicles — flooded roads are more dangerous than they look.
Where can I check current road closures during flooding?
MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map lists real-time closures on numbered and lettered routes across the region.
My car stalled in standing water — should I try to restart it?
No — restarting a flooded engine can cause serious internal damage. Get to safety and call for a tow instead.
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