Kehoe declares drought alert for Missouri in executive order

MISSOURI - Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an executive order Tuesday declaring a drought alert for the state.

According to officials, much of the state is experiencing either moderate, severe, or extreme droughts throughout 85 counties, including the City of St. Louis.

"This executive order allows our state agencies to step in and direct resources to those struggling with the consequences of drought, while allowing for vigilant monitoring of conditions over the next few months," Kehoe said in a release. "While much of our state is anticipating rainfall this week, we expect drought conditions to continue impacting agriculture and waterway navigation. We urge Missourians to report their local conditions in order to help local, state, and federal partners to best understand impacts."

A map of the drought in Missouri from the National Integrated Drought Information System shows much of the northern areas in the state experiencing abnormally dry conditions, worsening towards mid and southern Missouri.

The St. Louis region ranges, with some areas marked as abnormally dry, and others, such as in the southern viewing area, in a severe drought.

Missouri residents can submit photos to the Department of Natural Resources to aid officials in assessing conditions. To fill out the survey, click here.

To view the status of drought conditions, click here.

Kehoe's executive order will be in effect until Dec. 1.