Levee Breach Affects Eastern Jackson County

​     A levee breach along the Missouri River near Levasy has affected approximately 2,800 acres and shut down both directions of 24 Highway in eastern Jackson County on Saturday, June 1st.
     The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Central Jackson County Fire Protection District, and other emergency responders were on site Saturday to assist Levasy residents in evacuating the area.
     Flood waters increased significantly after a second levee breached in the afternoon on June 1st.
     “The water levels of Levasy, MO have never been this high based on statements from residents and other emergency personnel on scene,” Jackson County Sheriff Darryl Forté said.
     Alyssa Beckerdite’s family farm, the Stock Family Farm, is a century farm now surrounded by flood waters. Beckerdite and her family can only wait and see what faces them when they return home.
    “We haven’t been able to be back down to the property, so we don’t know current damage. Any farm ground affected by the water will not have any crops this year. We don’t know anything beyond that,” Beckerdite said.
     Access to the area is restricted to residents only, and the public is urged to find alternate travel routes and avoid the urge to sightsee.  
     “As we continue to access the areas impacted by the flood, we encourage the public not to come into the flood area. High water can cause significant damage to vehicles, and create a water rescue situation. Please use alternate routes to get around flooded areas. The Sheriff’s Office will remain in the area and will continue to work with other agencies to ensure that residents and citizens are safe. The safety of everyone is our priority,” Forté said.
     Beckerdite echoes the Sheriff’s advice.
     “Honestly, just stay out of the area. Let people who live here deal with what they need to do and don’t come out to sightsee. Acknowledge road closed signs and realize they’re there for your safety,” Beckerdite said.
     Levasy residents can access Red Cross services at the United Methodist Church, 109 S. Hudson Street, Buckner.
 
 

The Stock Family Farm has been impacted by flooding along the Missouri River near Levasy. Photo credit: Alyssa Beckerdite
 

The scene from the Stock Family Farm as waters rose toward their home.
Photo credit: Alyssa Beckerdite