Columbia firefighters ‘evacuating anyone who wants to be evacuated’ as flood waters rise on Mesa Drive

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Flooding was reported around Columbia after heavy rain came through the area on Thursday morning.

First responders were busy responding to flooded roads.

A water rescue was occurring on West Gillespie Bridge Road near West Mesa Drive. An ABC 17 News reporter saw the road flooded and a car stuck.

Assistant Chief Zachary Grace told ABC 17 News that firefighters rescued the person who was in their case, and that crews were going door-to-door on West Mesa Drive “evacuating anyone who wanted to be evacuated.”

A water rescue occurred after a van was stuck in flood water on Highway 40 near the Cenex gas station.

Firefighters on the scene told ABC 17 News that the driver in the van was safe.

Boone County Joint Communications sent additional notifications about flooded roads throughout the morning including Fairview Road, multiple parts of Providence Road, Route WW at Old Hawthorne, Strawn Road at West Broadway and water was on the road on several streets in other areas of central and western Columbia.

Trees were damaged on the University of Missouri’s campus from an apparent lightning strike near Rollins Road.

The Boone County Office of Emergency Management elevated its Emergency Operations Center to Level 3 as a result of the flooding, the office shared in a social media post.

A flash flood warning is in effect in the area until 1:30 p.m.

Check back for updates.