But in a few spots, flood waters have begun to recede slightly.

At 3 p.m., MoDOT reopened both traffic lanes of Highway 63 just south of Vienna in Maries County. The highway was closed Thursday due to Gasconade River flooding and one lane was opened to traffic earlier Saturday with crews flagging north and southbound motorists through the area.

Highway 50 in Gasconade County reopened at 6:15 p.m. Saturday after closing Friday. At 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Highway 42 between Routes 63 and 28 in Maries County also reopened after closing Thursday. MoDOT had blocked off both roads due to Gasconde River flooding.

Route E and Highway 89 in Osage County remain closed because of water covering the roadway. Detours have been posted for these closures.

MoDOT notes the major closures are a good indication of the flooding's severity.

"This time our major roads are going under," said Eric Schroeter of MoDOT. "And, that takes major flooding events. We have places that flood every year. It takes a major event to get Highway 50 and 63."

Communities along the Gasconade and Meramec Rivers are among the hardest hit.

Near Rich Fountain in Osage County, the river's level was reported at 32.8 feet. Normally, the Gasconade River runs at a level of four feet.

During another major flood in 1993, the Gasconade River reached 33 feet. This year, the river is expected to begin receding Sunday.

The Meramec River is expected to crest at 43 feet, besting a 1982 record of 42.9 feet.

Further west, the town of Bagnell was spared from massive flooding by the Bagnell Dam -- barely. The water level at the dam is at 659 feet, one foot shy of the 660 foot threshold at which engineers must open the dam, flooding the town below.

But further east, the Associated Press reported rivers are expected to crest in the St. Louis area over the weekend.

State Treasurer Sarah Steelman said her office has made available loans for small businesses and farmers affected by the flooding.

To view KOMU's team coverage of the floods, click on the links above.