Missouri Launches $10.4M Flood and Drought Monitoring App – Could it work in Montana?

Missouri invested $10.4 million to launch a statewide flood and drought monitoring app in 2026.

The Missouri Hydrology Information Center and Department of Natural Resources introduced a mobile app and website providing real-time data to help residents and officials prepare for extreme water events. This initiative aims to modernize access to critical environmental information following recent severe flooding.

The platforms deliver live flood conditions, short-term and five-day flood forecasts, drought status, and soil moisture data, drawing from state streamgages, sensors, and federal sources like the U.S. Geological Survey and NOAA. Updated in July 2026, the app now includes 93 state park and historic site boundaries. Users can subscribe to push alerts and customize their data views. Approximately 47 gauges and sensors have been deployed to enhance monitoring, with continued installation planned, especially in underrepresented areas.

Montana businesses might find value in observing Missouri’s approach, as enhanced real-time environmental data could influence decision-making in regions prone to natural hazards. Although Montana’s geography and hydrology differ, similar tools could improve local preparedness and resource management where water-related risks affect commerce and safety.

Missouri launches statewide app to help officials, residents prepare for flooding
By Kaitlyn Levinson, Route Fifty