How flash flooding concerns become heightened this weekend

With multiple rounds of showers and storms expected beginning tonight lasting off and on into this weekend, there are increased chances of flash flooding incidents becoming possible. That paired with drier conditions across the region presents an interesting opportunity to see not so typical events.

Rainfall totals over the next five days amount to up to 5" in some isolated areas across Mid-Missouri expanding from Columbia and back to the southwest towards Johnson and Pettis counties. This amount of rainfall in just a few days will eventually lead to overly saturated soils. Once the ground reaches increased levels of saturation, water will effectively run-off at higher rates resulting in pooling and potential opportunities for flooding and flash flooding.

Rising streams and river levels can eventual pool over roadways with increased totals causing dangerous driving conditons. In more urban areas, clogged drains or overflowing drains can cause increased pooling on roadways leading to worsening driving conditions resulting in more accidents.

It doesn't take much for rising waters to sweep a person or vehicles away causing injury or death. ^' of water can sweep a person away, 1' can sweep a mid-sized car away, and 18" of water can even take away larger trucks. When you see water pooling over roadways or paths ahead of yourself, it is important to turn around and not drown. Finding an alternate route may take longer, but could increase your chance of arriving safely.

A unique opportunity arises in areas of severe drought or worse. Initial rainfall can lead to increased run-off rates in extremely dry soil causing increased chances of flash flooding. Thankfully, this only occurs for a short period of time as the ground becomes more saturated, it will actually work to absorb more water quicker than in its driest state.