FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Severe weather possible

COLUMBIA, MO (July 30, 2010) - With a round of potentially severe weather predicted by the National Weather Service (NWS), the Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) encourages residents to review their plans of action.

“The best time to prepare for a severe weather event is before the threat becomes reality,” says OEM Director Zim Schwartze. “The weather may be somewhat nice right now, but it could change at any time with little warning. That’s why it’s important to have a plan of action in place, so you know where to go as a storm approaches, and what to do after it has passed.”

Schwartze advises residents to stay informed of the latest weather information throughout the afternoon and evening, by periodically tuning in to local media, and having an NOAA weather radio at home or the office.

The National Weather service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Boone and several other central Missouri counties until 9 this evening. Boone County is also under a flash flood watch through Saturday morning, as heavy rains associated with approaching thunderstorms could bring the potential for flooding in low-lying areas.

The Office of Emergency Management maintains an updated list of road closures at the website www.showmeboone.com/OEM/closures. In addition, the condition of state highways can be checked at the State Department of Transportation’s website, www.modot.org. OEM also has a number of publications available, addressing a variety of storm-related topics, including what to do before and after a disaster. Those pamphlets are offered free of charge at the OEM office on Seventh Street in Columbia, and can also be accessed online at www.gocolumbiamo.com/EM.

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