Interstate 70 in St. Charles County near Highway 79 is expected to remain closed for Monday morning rush hour due to flooding, MoDOT announced.Rain throughout the weekend has led to widespread flooding throughout the region and state. Earlier today, Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency in Missouri due to the heavy rain and flash flooding. Heavy rains have led at least eight fatalities reported in the state, according to a press release. More heavy rain and additional flooding is expected through Monday and river levels are forecasted to rise over the next several days. Nixon urged Missourians in flood-affected areas to avoid travel if possible. Here are some safety tips for residents near flooding and high water:• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you. • Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. • A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including sport utility vehicles and pick-ups. Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, don’t try it. Water hides dips in the road. Worse yet, there may be no road at all under the water. Flooding can scour away the entire road surface and a significant amount of ground beneath.