Boone County law enforcement warn of flooding risks ahead of heavy rainfall predictions
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Boone County Office of Emergency Management is warning residents of risks of flooding ahead of rainfall predictions over the next 72 hours.
Officials from OEM said while in contact with the St. Louis National Weather Service, they are forecasting four plus inches of rain for Boone County over the next 72-hour period.
With this increased rainfall, the group is predicting creeks and streams across the county to reach flood stage levels which could cause floodwaters to threaten roadways, structures, parks, and trails.
Assistant Chief Boone County Fire District Gale Blomenkamp said people in the county should expect typical low-lying areas to flood.
At the common areas, the fire district is able to respond from two different directions to put fire apparatus on each side of the flooding event. Some common areas he said are:
- Route E at Twin Bridges
- Wilcox Road
- Low Crossing Road
- Route ZZ/Strawn Road
- Blackfoot Road
- Route Z
Blomenkamp said the main thing for people to remember when they come across a flooded roadway is "Turn around, don't drown."
He said the other thing during the flooding to watch is driving at night. "Don't overdrive your headlights. Once you see that water, you want to give yourself enough time to get stopped before you enter it," said Blomenkamp.
Ahead of the storms, Blomenkamp advises people to protect against flooding in their homes by checking sump pumps, making sure gutters are cleaned, and if necessary sandbag around areas in the home.
