4/3/2025 Recent and Incoming Severe Weather
The April 2 tornado spared Cape Girardeau of its worst damage, but everyone in the area should remain alert to more incoming severe weather and flash flooding this week. There were no known serious injuries from the storm in city limits. Significant property damage was limited to a few homes and businesses.
Public Works has been busy clearing stormwater intakes and staging equipment. Multiple agencies were coordinating through the Emergency Operation Center as the storm approached. Public safety and City Hall inspection teams began canvassing the damage last night as crews cleared debris from the roadways. To clear roads as quickly as possible, workers will temporarily move debris to the curb (to be retrieved later). Work continues as crews clear stormwater blockages and address other issues city-wide.
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 capepublicworks@cityofcape.org, 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 provide one free Wednesday Special Pickup per calendar year for large, bulky items or additional bags. Call 573-339-6351 to schedule.
City residents may also 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.
- Turn a-round 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 can be barricaded. Avoid hydroplaning on wet roadways by driving slower. Keep tires in good condition including proper inflation.
- 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.
- River flooding is expected to peak within routine levels. Follow the river stages at noaa.gov. Downtown water pumps engage at or near 32’ and gate closures start at 35’+, see details on our website.
- 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 more 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 on their website.
- Follow trusted sources of information including local news media and public service agencies.
Remember to use 911 for emergencies only, and use other contacts for general service outages, nuisances, or other reports and concerns. During and immediately after a storm, thank you for staying off the roads if possible to give emergency workers room to work. Find more preparedness tips on ready.gov.
