Flood advisory issued for Boone, Audrain counties
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The National Weather Service has placed Boone and Audrain counties under a flood advisory through early Wednesday afternoon.
The advisory remains in effect until 12:45 p.m. after a line of storms dumped rain on the area Wednesday morning. Those storms also dumped hail around the area up to 1 inch in diameter. About a three quarters of an inch of rain fell at the Columbia Regional Airport between about 8 and 9 a.m.
The weather service also issued a flood warning for Hinkson Creek in Columbia, with minor to moderate flooding forecast through late Thursday.
The Boone County Fire Protection District urged drivers to look out for low-lying areas Wednesday as storms roll into Mid-Missouri.
The Missouri Department of Transportation's website advises drivers to "turn around, don't drown," when approaching flooded roadways.
Drivers looking for updated information on flooded roads can check the MODOT Traveler map. The map currently lists Route RA and Route N in Osage County as closed due to flooding.
The fire department advises drivers to check the map before getting out on the road.
According to Cole County Public Works, North Branch Road, Murphys Ford Road and Vaughn Ford Road are all listed as closed due to flooding.
MODOT also advises drivers not to assume water on roadways is shallow, saying that many times looks can be deceiving.
With how quickly roads can flood, the department also reminded drivers to never expect flooded roads to be blocked off with barriers.
The department said more than half of all flooding deaths are in motor vehicles, with many occurring when vehicles cross roads that are not meant to be crossed during flooding.
