JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – On Tuesday, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signed an executive order activating emergency operations in response to flooding and severe weather in parts of the state that have killed at least five people.

According to FOX Weather, the storms and flooding left several people dead, including two election workers.

Election workers were on their way to work at a polling place when they were swept away by flooding in southwest Missouri, according to local news station KY3.

“With several areas of Missouri already affected by this week’s storms and heavy rains, we want to make sure state resources are available should further disruption or damage occur,” Parson said in a statement. “This action allows the state to be better prepared and ready to help our communities with response and recovery. We urge Missourians to follow the direction of local authorities and emergency managers, use extra caution on the roads and never drive in flood waters.”

The flooding caused the closure of polling stations. Parson said if you are a registered voter in the city or county of St. Louis and you cannot access your polling place, you can vote at any official polling place in the city or county or jurisdiction in which you are registered.

St. Louis receives record rainfall

International Airport St. Louis broke several rainfall records. As of Tuesday morning, the airport had already received 3.25 inches of rain, surpassing the previous daily record of 1.62 inches set in 1956.

Flood waters in St. Francois, Missouri. (Credit: Bismarck Fire Protection District)

The unprecedented rainfall event also set a new record for the highest 24-hour rainfall total in November. With more than 6.4 inches of rain falling since Monday, the airport broke the previous record of 3.56 inches set on Nov. 18, 1921.

Rainfall of nearly 7 inches in a 24-hour period caused Deer Creek to overflow its banks, submerging main streets in Maplewood, Brentwood and Webster Groves, FOX 2 in St. Louis reported.

The flood forced Brentwood School District will cancel classes Tuesday due to power outages and flooding.