FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Zim Schwartze, OEM Director or Scott Smith, Public Information Officer - (573) 874-7400

Severe weather and flooding possible in Boone County

COLUMBIA, MO (July 20, 2010) - The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a pair of weather watches for Columbia and Boone County this evening. A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 11 p.m., as thunderstorms with large hail, dangerous lightning, rain and high winds are expected to impact the area this evening. Meanwhile, a flash flood watch remains in effect through Wednesday morning, with the possibility of tonight’s storms dumping heavy rain in a short amount of time.

“With tonight’s continuing weather threats, it’s important that residents be prepared in several areas,” says Columbia/Boone County Emergency Management Director Zim Schwartze. “Those on the roads need to slow down when driving in brief downpours. It doesn’t take much rain to make a vehicle hydroplane on pavement, and it doesn’t take much flowing water to sweep a vehicle off the road. If you’re driving tonight be careful and be ready to find another route around a flooded low-water crossing.”

Schwartze also advises those who are staying indoors tonight. “The severe thunderstorm watch means we could see high winds, hail and lightning. If storms turn severe, residents need to make sure they have a plan of action. We encourage everyone to make sure they are properly prepared for whatever the weather brings us tonight and stay informed of the latest weather information. The best way to do that is to tune to local media and have a NOAA weather radio. By keeping updated on weather information, you can be ready before the storm approaches.”

To find out more about what to do before, during and after severe weather, log on to the OEM page of th city's website at www.gocolumbiamo.com/EM. If flooding forces the closure of roads in Boone County, you can find an up-to-date list of road closures at www.showmeboone.com/OEM/closures

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