Justin Messner/Daily Mail-- Public safety officials guide traffic across a flooded section of U.S. 71 on Monday. The National Weather Service says to be on the lookout for more wet weather and flooding.

Heavy rainfall resulting in flash floods and persistent flooding throughout Missouri has prompted much attention from a variety of government agencies and branches. So far, a total of 35 counties have been added to the list of those eligible for disaster assistance -- with Vernon County still not among them. But flash flooding has already created its share of problems, with U.S. 71 shut down to one lane for a short period on Monday as a storm tore through the area.

As of Tuesday evening, a flood warning continued for the Marmaton River near Nevada, according to the National Weather Service, and was to continue through Friday afternoon or until it's canceled. At 12:45 p.m., Tuesday, the Marmaton was at 24 feet. Flood stage is 20 feet, and the river was expected to rise to about 24.3 feet by Wednesday evening. At 24 feet, a county road near the river becomes impassable. The waters were expected to recede by Thursday; nevertheless, another bout of storms is expected Wednesday night through Friday morning, with heavy rain likely; but the severe weather threat is expected to remain well south of Nevada.

Missourians should take safety precautions as additional heavy rains across the state may result in severe flooding like the destructive floods of 1993 and 1995, said a University of Missouri Extension emergency management specialist.

"Missourians should be prepared for flash flooding, river flooding, possible tornadoes and damaging hail," said Eric Evans. "Now would be a good time to remind everyone of severe weather plans and tornado shelters in your location." Since March 1, 10-15 inches of rain have fallen in virtually every county southeast of I-44, and this is on top of above-normal precipitation over Missouri in December and February, said Pat Guinan, MU Extension climatologist.

Several locations in southern Missouri have experienced their wettest March on record. Preliminary numbers indicate the past four months will rank as one of the wettest December-through-March periods since 1895, he said.

Currently, the wettest December-through-March period was 1972-'73, another flood year, when average statewide precipitation was 16.17 inches, he said.

"Parts of southern Missouri have received that much in March alone. Another significant precipitation event is anticipated this week, which will exacerbate the situation," he said.

For an extensive list of online resources on preparing, coping and recovering from floods and flash floods, see http://extension.missouri.edu/cemp/flood....