Columbia Firefighters Rescue Multiple Drivers From Floodwaters After Severe Storms

Firefighters and rescue crews responded swiftly to multiple incidents involving drivers trapped in vehicles due to severe weather conditions, including flash flooding and vehicle crashes. In Columbia, Missouri, firefighters rescued occupants from vehicles stranded in rising floodwaters at locations including Paris Road and Vandiver Drive as well as South Rolling Hills Road and Sugar Grove Road, with no reported injuries. Authorities emphasized the dangers of driving through floodwaters, urging adherence to the National Weather Service's advice to 'Turn Around, Don't Drown,' highlighting that even 12 inches of moving water can carry away small vehicles. Similarly, in Minnesota and Tampa, rescue teams quickly extracted toddlers and their fathers from burning or crashed vehicles, demonstrating rapid emergency response to protect lives. Barricades and signage were placed at flooded areas to warn other drivers and prevent further incidents. These coordinated rescue efforts underscore the ongoing risks posed by severe thunderstorms and flash floods during the storm season.