Columbia, Mo. – Heavy rain continues to soak parts of central and northeast Missouri Tuesday night, with a Flood Watch now extended through 4 a.m. Wednesday as flash flooding remains a real threat.
According to the National Weather Service in St. Louis, counties under the watch include Boone, Audrain, Callaway, Cole, Moniteau, Osage, Montgomery, Ralls, and Pike. Storms could drop another 1 to 2 inches of rain, especially across low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Cities like Columbia, Jefferson City, and Mexico are at risk for road flooding, particularly along smaller creeks and underpasses. Local emergency managers urge residents to avoid driving through water-covered roads, which may be deeper and faster-moving than they appear.
High water could also impact rural routes and back roads in Callaway and Audrain counties overnight. Residents in flood-prone neighborhoods should be ready to move to higher ground if warnings are issued. Keep phones charged and have flashlights ready in case of power outages.
The Flood Watch remains active until 4 a.m. Wednesday. Additional warnings could follow if rainfall intensifies overnight.
