The Missouri Highway Patrol is asking citizens to not fly drones over these cities: Union, Eureka, Valley Park, West Alton and Arnold — or anywhere else that they see a helicopter.

The agency says that the unmanned aircraft could interfere with emergency services personnel, comprising their safety or ability to deliver relief to flood victims.

In a press release, the Highway Patrol acknowledges that some organizations' safety guidelines, such as those from the Academy of Model Aeronautics, may allow drone flying up to 400 feet. But state and local authorities have been flying closer to the ground than normal to survey flooding and determine the integrity of levees and other structures.

"Operating drones in or near flooded areas that are being monitored by helicopters can pose a serious danger to the crew on board," the press release said. "Aircraft are also used for search and rescue operations. During these low-level operations, the flight crews' attention is focused upon fulfilling their missions, and should not be compromised by unmanned aerial flights."

In recent years, as the unmanned devices have become less expensive, interest in them has soared. Pilots around the country have reported seeing drones fly as high as 2,500 feet, sparking fears of mid-air collisions.

Despite their popularity, the use of drones remains largely unregulated, leaving lawmakers in many states, including Missouri, to debate how to best police their use.

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