Rain causes flooding on some roads, more rain expected Wednesday night
BOONE COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Crews closed at least two roads in mid-Missouri after rainfall Wednesday.
Blackfoot Road is closed at Bear Creek in Boone County due to water over the road. Boone County Joint Communications sent an alert encouraging drivers to find a different route.
Cole County Public Works closed the 2800 block of Meadowsford Road and the 11100 block of North Branch Road due to flooding.
The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team is tracking widespread showers into Wednesday evening. More than an inch of rain has been measured at the University of Missouri's Sanborn Field weather station since midnight.
Gale Blomenkamp with the Boone County Fire Protection District said that drivers need to take extra precautions while driving at night.
"People tend to overdrive their headlights which means they're into that water before they have a chance to stop their vehicle," Blomenkamp said.
Blomenkamp says the main things for people to be aware of is the typical low-lying areas that tend to frequently flood.
"The biggest thing is when there's water across the roadway, 'Turn Around, Don't Drown' is kind of a slogan that we go by and find that alternate route," Blomenkamp said.
Emergency crews also want people to be aware of low water crossings which are on almost every gravel road across the area.
Not only are there steps to take on the roads, but keeping your home safe is also important.
"We got one house that we're currently responding to right now to help them pump out their basement because their sump pump has failed. People need to make sure those sump pumps are serviceable and working well," Blomenkamp.
Also during the floods, emergency crews may have longer response times and have to take alternative routes to get to their destination.
If you do find yourself stuck in water, there are some precautions to consider.
"Stay in your vehicle unless it's moving, if your vehicle start to be swept away, then you're gonna have to do take evasive actions to do what keeps you the safest. First thing is not to get yourself in that position. If you do, call 911 immediately stay with your vehicle if possible. Let us come get you out and rescue you," Blomenkamp said.
