Flash flood watch issued for Boone County

COLUMBIA — Heavy rain earlier this week combined with the threat of more rain has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a flash flood watch for Columbia and Boone County from 7 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday morning.

The Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management urged residents to be aware of the potential flooding dangers caused by additional rain.

“More rain over the next 24 hours could bring a number of flooding problems in the county,” James McNabb, emergency management office director, said in a news release. “Boone County Public Works has already closed one low-water crossing due to high water, and it’s very possible that more low-water crossings could pose a danger to drivers tonight and Thursday.”

Flooding is one of the most deadly natural disasters, according to the release, and most often strikes at night when people are less aware of the dangers. Motorists are urged to avoid low-water crossings because floodwaters often trap motorists in their vehicles.

According to the National Weather Service, nine people died from floods or flash flooding in 2008.

In September, a young Columbia woman drowned after she attempted to save a man who had driven into swiftly moving floodwaters and become stranded in Hominy Branch on Clark Lane.