[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Potential Flooding Along Missouri River

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Zim Schwartze, Emergency Management Director 


Potential Flooding Along Missouri River

COLUMBIA, MO (June 3, 2011) - A plan by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to release rising water from a dam along the Missouri River has Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) watching for the likelihood of flooding in our area.  The impact could be felt within the next few weeks.

"The Corps of Engineers plan to release water from the Gavins Point Dam in South Dakota which is likely to produce significant flooding of land along the Missouri River in Boone County," says OEM Director Zim Schwartze.  "The plan calls for more than double the amount of water usually released at the dam, to stave off flooding affects in South Dakota and Montana.  We estimate that we'll see significant rises in the river by mid-June and we advise those who live along the river to be watchful of flood waters and have an evacuation plan in place.  In addition, anyone with recreational plans along the Missouri should be aware of what could be rapidly-changing conditions." 

With the current water release plan in place, Schwartze expects areas such as Rocheport, McBaine, Hartsburg and Huntsdale to see significant rises in the river and probable flooding of surrounding land.  The Office of Emergency Management strongly advises those who live or have interests related to the Missouri River to stay constantly updated on the impending rise in the water levels and do not wait too long to evacuate if flood waters threaten. 

The community can stay updated for Columbia and Boone County road closures through the link http://showmeboone.com/OEM/closures.  In addition, information regarding river levels and forecasts can be found on the National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service at http://water.weather.gov.  

At this time, City and County officials have met regarding preparations and plans for the impending flood event.  We are working together and preparing potential actions based on the estimates available provided by the Corps of Engineers.  Efforts will be coordinated through the Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management and future information will be released when available.  There is no further information to report at this time.


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