Columbia, Mo. – Overnight thunderstorms could bring dangerous flash flooding to central and northeast Missouri Tuesday night, prompting a Flood Watch that stretches into Wednesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in St. Louis, the Flood Watch begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday and lasts through 12 p.m. Wednesday, covering a wide swath of counties including Boone, Cole, Marion, Audrain, and Pike. Forecasters warn that slow-moving thunderstorms may dump 1 to 2 inches of rain per hour, leading to rapid runoff and flash flooding in low-lying areas.
Cities like Columbia, Jefferson City, Hannibal, and Mexico are included in the alert zone. Rural areas near creeks, small rivers, and poorly drained intersections will be especially vulnerable. Emergency officials recommend avoiding low-water crossings and monitoring local alerts in case warnings are issued overnight.
Drivers are urged to steer clear of flooded roadways, particularly along Route 54, U.S. 61, and rural stretches of Highway 36. If conditions worsen, school bus routes and early morning commutes could be disrupted.
This storm system marks one of the first widespread flash flood threats of the season for the region. The watch may be extended if rainfall totals climb faster than expected.
