Building partially collapses in Downtown Columbia on Wednesday

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

An alley in Downtown Columbia is closed after a partial building collapse on Wednesday afternoon because of heavy rainfall early that morning, according to a news release.

"As a precaution, a portion of the alley between South Fifth and Sixth Streets will be closed for an indeterminate period of time," the news release reads. "This closure is for the safe installation of a temporary support system and to facilitate ongoing assessments and repair work."

The release did not say what occupies the building but Boone County property tax records show it is owned by a family trust in Chickasha, Oklahoma.

According to the Sanborn Field weather station at the University of Missouri, Columbia received 4.30 inches of rain on Wednesday and almost 2 inches since midnight Thursday. The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather team is tracking more rain making its way into Mid-Missouri late Thursday afternoon.

The City of Columbia advises residents to avoid the alleyway and seek an alternate route.

Check back for updates to this developing story.