What is Happening Under Missouri? Now 3 Sinkholes in St. Louis

Suddenly, the ground in Missouri has become untrustworthy especially in the St. Louis area as there are now 3 sinkholes that have appeared in different parts of the city.

It was only a couple of days ago when I shared word that a huge sinkhole had appeared in the area of Cass Avenue and 17th Street in St. Louis.

Google Maps Street View/Canva

This weekend, the city of St. Louis has announced that there are two more sinkholes that have just appeared. This one at 17th Street and Park Avenue near Dillon Street. Here's what they said:

"Large amounts of rain have contributed to big sinkholes opening at Cass Avenue by 17th Street and Park Avenue near Dillon Street. City departments have responded quickly to secure these areas, and MSD will be working on repairs. Stay safe, and please call 911 if you see a large sinkhole."

KSDK is reporting that yet another sinkhole has appeared near ark Avenue and South 14th Street.

What is causing all of these St. Louis, Missouri sinkholes?

The truth is there's no way to definitively know. The city says that it's likely caused by extreme rainwater that has been dumped on the city from recent storms which are still ongoing even today.

Could this be a sign of an imminent New Madrid earthquake?

There was an interesting story in the LA Times about how sinkholes can provide us insights into earthquakes. But, while many are speculating online on social media about the possibility, there is no way currently to predict an earthquake. I would say that the city of St. Louis' theory about excess rainwater causing this ground instability is correct. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources estimates there are more than 16,000 sinkholes in the state and what's happened in St. Louis the past few days is just adding to that number.