OFFICIALS URGE CAUTION FOR AREA RESIDENTS DUE TO CONTINUING HIGH TEMPERATURES THIS WEEK

Officials with the American Red Cross are urging Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas residents to be cautious with the extremely high temperatures this week.

The excessive heat warning for the region has been extended until 8 pm on Friday. Weather officials say that daily maximum heat index readings in Poplar Bluff could remain over 100 degrees through the holiday weekend.

COOLING ITEM GIVEAWAY TO BE HELD TODAY AT MISSOURI HIGHLANDS HEALTH CARE IN POPLAR BLUFF

Missouri Highlands Health Care will be distributing cooling items to area residents today during the ongoing heatwave.

Beginning at 9 this morning, Missouri Highlands will have free box fans, neck fans, and cooling towels at their Copper Top location.

Supplies are limited so area residents are encouraged to stop by Copper Top early to pick up some items to help you stay cool.

DANGEROUS HEAT AND HUMIDITY EXPECTED FOR THIS WEEK

The first extended heat wave of the summer has started in Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas.

According to the National Weather Service, daily highs are expected to be in the mid 90’s for much of this week, with heat index values possibly getting around 105 degrees.

The heat and humidity will increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.

FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH SATURDAY, TO BE FOLLOWED BY HOT TEMPS ON SUNDAY

Possible heavy rainfall could cause flood conditions through the first part of this weekend.

According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, a flood watch is in effect for most of Southeast Missouri through Saturday morning.

VEHICLE CRASHES INTO BUSINESS DURING PURSUIT, DRIVER PRONOUNCED DEAD

A man has died after he crashed his vehicle during a pursuit with police on Wednesday.

New Madrid County Sheriff Joey Higgerson tells KWOC News that New Madrid Police officers responded to a report of a subject brandishing a gun at around noon Wednesday.

When officers arrived, the suspect fled in a vehicle, leading officers and New Madrid County Sheriff’s Deputies on a high speed pursuit. The pursuit was from New Madrid to Portageville where officers deployed spike strips that were hit by the vehicle.

WAPPAPELLO RESIDENT KILLED IN TUESDAY MORNING CRASH

A Wappapello resident was pronounced dead at the scene of a crash Tuesday in Butler County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the man was driving on Route T when a vehicle pulled into his path. The crash occurred at around 11:40 am, four miles south of Wappapello.

Butler County Coroner Jim Akers has confirmed to KWOC News that the deceased was identified as 85 year old Gayle Arnold.

IDENTITY RELEASED OF BODY FOUND OVER THE WEEKEND IN THE QULIN AREA

Officials have released the identity of a body that was found over the weekend in Butler County.

Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs tells KWOC News that the body was discovered Saturday afternoon on County Road 659 in Qulin.

According to Butler County Coroner Jim Akers, the body has been identified as Tevon Youngblood-Miller.

Akers added that an autopsy was performed on Monday and the results are still pending.