COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Gov. Mike Kehoe declared a state of emergency for the state on Friday because of recent storms and flooding.

Kehoe announced on his social media that he signed Executive Order 26-16. Severe weather went through Mid-Missouri on Thursday and continued into Friday morning, with more storms expected to enter the area in the evening, according to the ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team.

“Over the past 24 hours, intense storms have created dangerous flash flooding across several regions of Missouri, resulting in multiple swift-water rescues,” Kehoe wrote online. “With additional heavy rain expected through the weekend, the threat is not over. If you're camping, floating, or spending time near rivers and streams, move to higher ground and stay aware of weather conditions.”

Thousands of people near the Lake of the Ozarks were without power early Friday and it continued into the afternoon. Missouri Task Force 1 was activated and sent to Sikestone to assist with the flood response.

The executive order activates the state’s emergency operations plan. It is set to expire Aug. 10.

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