Missouri prepares for heavy rain and potential flooding

Tropical Storm Gordon made landfall late Tuesday night near the Alabama-Mississippi border and has been downgraded to a tropical depression.

However, Gordon might still brings heavy rain and thunderstorms to mid-Missouri through the weekend. Rainfall of 4 to 8 inches over the northern half of Missouri is possible, according to the National Weather Service.

Those heavy rains could lead to flash flooding.

Boone County Emergency Management Deputy Director Tom Hurley said there is no safe amount of water to drive through. Drivers should not use cruise control because it increases the risk of hydroplaning, he said.

In severe weather, drivers should not cross barricades, said State Emergency Management Agency spokeswoman Sara Dayley.

“It doesn’t take much for water to sweep a vehicle downstream or even off the roads,” Dayley said.

Flash flooding makes it more difficult to see the road and determine if heavy rainfall has washed out sections of road.

Dayley said when a car is swept away a swift-water rescue crew will be sent out, increasing the danger for first responders, as well.

In Boone County, Gilliespie Bridge Road and Blackfoot Road, located south of Columbia city limits, are prone to flooding, Hurley said.

Pre-staged barricades are set up on both roads in the event of heavy rainfall and potential flooding.

To report flooded roadways call 311.