Duck River expected to rise above flood stage

Feb. 14--Rain stopped by noon Thursday, with sunny and cold weather expected through the weekend, but a flood warning remains in effect for parts of southern Middle Tennessee.

A report from National Weather Service indicates the Duck River will rise above its 32-foot flood stage to 34 feet at Columbia's Riverwalk Park on Friday. The flooding comes after storms packing heavy rain moved through the region Wednesday.

The Duck River's rising water levels were forecast to reach Highway 247 west of Columbia and other low-lying areas near Columbia.

"Rivers and creeks will remain elevated for the next few days due to heavy rainfall and runoff. This could impact some low-lying areas and low water crossings," the weather service said in a statement issued Thursday. "Avoid flooded areas along the river...And move personal belongings to higher ground. Never drive through flooded roads, as the depth of water may be too great to pass...Even in trucks or sport utility vehicles. If you come across a flooded road...Turn around, don't drown."

Having reached the expected height on Friday afternoon, NWS expects the banks of the Duck River will begin to recede late Saturday morning, when the warning is scheduled to be lifted.

As rains continued to fall on Maury County late Wednesday, emergency responders were dispatched to Rally Hill Road at the scene of a car trapped in floodwaters.

"Unfortunately, a driver drove around barricades that had been placed earlier in the day and put themselves in grave danger," the Maury County Fire Department said in a statement posted online. "There is no excuse for this type of behavior. This is the same location units had to perform a rescue in January, when a truck was swept several hundred yards down the creek."

Several roadways were closed as the rainstorms passed over the county, and Maury County Public Schools announced that it was cancelling classes on Thursday due to "current and incoming" weather conditions.

The Maury County Office of Emergency Management issued a list of roads that were closed due to floodwaters.

-- Rally Hill Road is closed due to high water.

-- On Will Brown Road, there is a large sinkhole that has since been barricaded. The road is passable on one side.

-- In Columbia, East 6th St at Iron Bridge Road is closed.

-- Crews were working near the intersection of Booker Ridge Road and Booker Farm Road where multiple trees were downed the area. There were road blockages reported

Local emergency services continue to urge drivers to stay away from floodwaters.

Columbia Fire and Rescue recommends the following safety tips:

-- Never drive around barricades shutting down a roadway. Even when it appears safe, flooding may have caused an unseen safety problem with the roadway.

-- Do not drive through flooded areas, even if it looks shallow enough to cross. The large majority of deaths due to flash flooding occur with people driving through flooded areas. Water only a foot deep can displace a 1500-pound vehicle. Two feet of water can easily carry most automobiles.

-- Roads concealed by water may not be intact.

-- Do not cross flowing streams of water on foot where water is above your ankles.

-- Do not allow children to play around streams, drainage ditches or viaducts, storm drains, or other flooded areas.

-- Be especially cautious at night. It's harder to recognize water danger in low light situations.

-- Monitor U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) or other weather reporting sources for updated information on flooding.

TEMA and the FTAAAD suggest these precautions when preparing for a potential flood:

-- Maintain a disaster ready supply kit, which can include things like food, water, dry clothes, first-aid and a local map.

-- Have written instructions on procedures to turn off electricity, gas and water utilities.

-- Find out if your home is at risk for flooding by checking your homeowner's insurance policy regarding flood coverage.

-- Create an evacuation plan identifying potential safe spaces and routes for travel.

-- Store important documents, information and valuables in a safe-deposit box or a fireproof or waterproof container.

-- Have a radio with extra batteries in the home in case a cell phone gets damaged, wet or cell towers lose power due to weather.

-- Listen to updates on the radio, social media or local television news.

-- Be prepared to evacuate immediately if authorities issue an evacuation in your area.

-- If you drive your vehicle, move slow and be aware of potential engine damage.

-- Other cars stranded by the water are also a good indicator of a road's potential damage to your vehicle.

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