[Press Release] : Flash flood potential means flooded roads possible

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Battalion Chief Steven Sapp, PIO - (573) 499-7035 

Flash flood potential means flooded roads possible
'Turn around, Don't drown!' 

COLUMBIA, MO (March 31, 2008) - The National Weather Service has issued
a Flash Flood Watch for much of Central Missouri this afternoon and
tonight. With a saturated ground, the potential for flash floods is very
real as another round of rain is expected later this week. 

With heavy rains, comes the potential for a number of roads in the
Columbia area to be covered with water and impassable to motorists.
Unfortunately, many people do not understand the dangers of attempting
to drive across roads with standing or flowing water across them and
many think that trucks and SUV's are not prone to stalling or being
swept off the road. 

Emergency services and public works officials in Columbia and Boone
County urge motorists to heed the advice - "Turn Around - Don't Drown!"

Never attempt to drive across a flooded road. You cannot tell how deep
the water is. Nor can you tell where the roadway is or if the roadway
has been washed out. In addition, flowing water has much more power then
we give it credit for and can easily float and move vehicles off the
roadway and downstream. 

- 30 -
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