ARGENTA - With Tuesday's thunderstorms and more severe weather anticipated in Central Illinois overnight Wednesday, the Mid-Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross has initiated its disaster response.

Argenta and Clinton were two cities hit by flooding, officials said. Due to overnight floods in Argenta, a mass care feeding station was set up in the Friends Creek Community Building on Elm Street. By Wednesday evening, 65 meals had been served in the city, said Glenda Plunkett, Moultrie and Shelby county director for the Red Cross chapter.

Later Wednesday, the Red Cross opened a shelter at Argenta-Oreana High School for residents displaced by floodwaters. The shelter, which opened about 4 p.m. Wednesday, according to a news release, offered residents meals, blankets, a place to sleep and activities for children.

The Argenta shelter was equipped with 125 cots, Plunkett said. With an estimated 90 residents affected by flooding, none had shown up by 6 p.m.

"It's not uncommon when we are in a flooding situation like this for people to lurk in their homes until dark," Plunkett said, adding that she anticipated about 18 people would show up.

Residents seeking refuge at a Red Cross shelter should bring any family medications, baby formula, a change of clothes, a pillow and blanket for each person and books or toys for children. Pets are not permitted.

The Red Cross also issued a reminder to avoid walking or driving through water covering a roadway when traversing flooded areas. As little as 6 inches of moving water can sweep someone off their feet, the news release said, and water can carry away even large vehicles.

Annie Getsinger can be reached at agetsinger@herald-review.com or 421-6968.