Flash flooding brings awareness to Turn Around Don’t Drown campaign
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Mid-Missouri has seen an increase in flooding since the beginning of the month. According to the National Weather Service, Columbia has received almost nine inches of rain since July 1.
The National Weather Service's Turn Around Don't Drown campaign has been referenced by officials since Columbia has seen flash flooding and water rescues.
⛔️ FLASH FLOOD WARNING ⛔️
— Boone County Fire (@BooneCountyFire) July 8, 2024
The US National Weather Service Saint Louis Missouri has issued a flash flood warning for our area this morning. Between one and three inches of rain have fallen with additional rainfall of up to one inch expected.
Flash flooding of small creaks and… pic.twitter.com/OQ8GWKYExo
Interim Fire Chief Michael Arnhart said why it's important to pay attention to the Turn Around Don't Drown warnings.
"We could have driven that roadway earlier that day, and everything was fine, but it depends upon how fast moving the water is," Chief Arnhart said. "If there's debris in that water did it take away part of the roadway in the process, so anything under water is hard to evaluate what's underneath."
The National Weather Service issued tips for how to stay safe in flood conditions:
- Monitor weather sources for up-to-date flood information
- If flooding occurs, get to higher ground
- Avoid flooded areas, especially if water is moving fast
- Never drive through flooded roadways
Six inches of moving water reaches the bottom of most vehicles to lose control. A foot of water can float many vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, the National Weather Service says.
