COLUMBIA, MO (April 21, 2011) -

The National Weather Service (NWS) in St. Louis reports the possibility of strong to severe thunderstorms over the next several days across mid-Missouri.  The Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) advises residents to keep updated on the latest weather information for the remainder of the weekend.

“Columbia and Boone County faces a pair of potential problems through the weekend and into Monday,” according to OEM Director Zim Schwartze.  “Forecasters are predicting thunderstorms which include large hail, high winds and heavy rain. Not only could the hail and wind cause damage, the possible heavy rain gives us our first real threat for flooding this spring.  With the Easter weekend approaching, it’s important for everyone to stay informed of the latest weather information through local media and with a NOAA weather radio.  We encourage everyone to make sure they are properly prepared for whatever the weather brings us this weekend.”

The National Weather Service says that periods of thunderstorms will affect the area tonight, with large hail as the primary threat.  Heavy rain could trigger flash flooding in low lying areas.  More heavy rain and severe weather are likely on Friday and Friday night.  Forecasters have not ruled out the possibility of a tornado developing in Friday’s storms.  Heavy rain remains in the forecast through the middle of the next week which will increase the chance of flooding through the area.  Three to five inches of rain is possible through the next five days.

To find out more about what to do before, during and after severe weather, log on to the OEM 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.