[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Residents Reminded of the Dangers Posed by Lightning, Hail and Flooding

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Zim Schwartze, Emergency Management Director 
(573) 874-7400

Residents Reminded of the Dangers Posed by Lightning, Hail and Flooding

COLUMBIA, MO (March 15, 2012) - While tornadoes grab the majority of severe weather attention, the Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) reminds residents that thunderstorms bring other potentially deadly threats such as lightning, flooding and hail.

"We may see a lot of stories on tornadoes, but other threats have the potential to be just as dangerous," says OEM Director Zim Schwartze.  "In the past five years, 19 people have died in flash floods in Missouri, while lightning killed eight and injured 36 in the same time period. And large hail can cause major damage in just a few minutes.  No matter the threat, severe weather in any form must be taken seriously."

In addition to "Severe Weather Awareness Week" in Missouri, this week marks "Flood Safety Awareness Week" across the country. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), flooding kills more people on average than any other weather event. Many of those deaths are attributed to motorists attempting to cross a flooded low-water crossing.  It takes only two feet of rushing water to sweep away most vehicles, including pickups and SUVs.

OEM reminds residents living or camping near flood-prone areas need to be alert for rapidly rising water and be prepared to evacuate before becoming trapped by flood waters. 

Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from the area where it is raining. At the first clap of thunder, go inside of a large building or fully enclosed vehicle and wait approximately 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before you to back outside and resume your activities.

For more information and publications on severe weather safety, log on to the Office of Emergency Management website at www.gocolumbiamo.com/EM, or contact the office at (573) 874-7400.


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