JEFFERSON CITY — Gov. Jay Nixon today — Thursday — declared a state of emergency in Missouri as a widespread severe weather system continued to move across the state, bringing heavy rain, hail, high winds, flooding and flash flooding, and at least one reported tornado.

The heavy rain associated with the severe weather has already led to several water rescues along flooded streams and rivers, according to a news release. Another round of severe weather is forecast for much of the state today.

“With the continued significant risk of severe storms and flooding, I urge Missourians to closely monitor weather conditions, so they can take shelter or move to higher ground if needed,” Nixon stated in the release. “The state of Missouri will continue to work closely with local officials to help protect lives and property from these storms.”

The governor ordered activation of the State Emergency Operations Center, which has been closely monitoring the storm system. Nixon has been receiving updates from his emergency management team to assess the current weather situation and address local needs. The team includes senior officials from the Missouri Department of Public Safety, the State Emergency Management Agency, the Missouri National Guard and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Nixon has also activated the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan, which allows state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions to provide emergency services.