Two poll workers in their 70s died Tuesday after torrential rains caused flash flooding in Missouri. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported the deaths of a 70-year-old man and a 73-year-old woman after two vehicles were swept off State Route H near Beaver Creek in Wright County.

The governor activated emergency operations procedures after the deaths on Tuesday after days of heavy rainfall, flash flooding and tornadoes.

Authorities say a husband and wife died in each other's arms after they were swept away by floodwaters as they drove to a polling station in rural Missouri early on Election Day

"This couple were wonderful people who donated their time to serve their community," said Wright County Clerk Loni Pedersen