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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;"> 201 Orr Street
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Columbia, MO 65201</p></div>
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<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">June 4, 2025</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Katherine Rodriguez
<br />Public Information Specialist
<br />Columbia Fire Department
<br />City of Columbia
<br />573.874.7426
<br />Katherine.Rodriguez@CoMo.gov</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:150%;"><h1 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">Columbia Fire Department responds to multiple vehicles in floodwater during severe thunderstorms</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - <p style="display: inline;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">On Tuesday, June 3, Columbia Fire Department (CFD) units responded to multiple vehicles trapped in floodwater during severe thunderstorms. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At 5:52 p.m., CFD was dispatched to the area of Paris Road and Vandiver Drive following 911 reports of vehicles stranded in floodwater. Quint 4 arrived on scene within three minutes and located two vehicles affected by the rising water. CFD's water rescue team responded quickly and safely rescued all individuals involved. CFD cleared the scene at 6:19 p.m. Barricades and signage were placed for drivers' enhanced awareness of the conditions. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Later that night at 11:15 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to another water rescue at South Rolling Hills Road and Sugar Grove Road, where a vehicle had become trapped in floodwater. Water rescue personnel arrived within eight minutes and successfully rescued the occupant. The scene was cleared by 11:48 p.m. and additional barricades and signage were placed due to the conditions. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There were no injuries to the occupants or firefighters resulting from either incident. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Road conditions can deteriorate in a matter of minutes during a flash flooding event. Intense rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems quickly, especially in low-lying or poorly drained areas. Even roads that appeared clear moments earlier can become dangerous or impassable without warning. Water levels can rise rapidly, obscuring hazards like deep water, debris or washed-out pavement. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">CFD strongly urges drivers to follow the National Weather Service's message: "Turn Around, Don't Drown." Never attempt to drive through a flooded roadway, no matter how shallow it may appear. It only takes about 12 inches of moving water to carry away a small car. Drivers should always avoid roads that are barricaded or appear to be covered in water, even if they're familiar routes.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Even after the rain has stopped, floodwaters can linger or rise due to runoff. If a road is barricaded or appears flooded, find an alternate route. Be especially cautious at night when visibility is limited. It's always better to be safe and take a few extra minutes than to risk your life - or the lives of first responders who may need to perform a rescue.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Flooding can be unpredictable and conditions can change rapidly, so it's always best to exercise caution citywide during heavy rainfall. CFD encourages residents to sign up for RAVE alerts through Boone County Joint Communications. These alerts provide timely updates about severe weather, road conditions and closures to help keep the public informed and safe.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You can't outdrive a flash flood - turn around every time.</span></p></div>
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<div style="margin-top: 15px; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align:center;"><p>City of Columbia Vision<br>
<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
<p>City of Columbia Mission<br>
<em>To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.</em></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
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