Before bringing May flowers, April showers are creating some potentially dangerous conditions.
Central Missouri has experienced heavy rains and thunderstorms recently, and the forecast predicts more next week.
The Missouri Highway Patrol has issued a reminder that flash flooding can be extremely dangerous for both motorists and boaters.
Resist the temptation to cross a flooded roadway. It can be a fatal trap.
Barricades closing a roadway are put in place to protect motorists, not to inconvenience them. Driving around a barricade is a violation of state law, but a summons be the least of your problems. The vehicle could be swept away and the occupants could drown.
Fast-moving water is a particular problem, because even a seemingly shallow amount can carry away a vehicle. The patrol advises motorists stuck in rising water to get out quickly and move to higher ground.
Drivers can help avoid flooded areas and closed roads by visiting the Missouri Department of Transportation's road condition map at the patrol's web site, www.mshp.dps.mo.gov.
The patrol cautions boaters to observe many of the same precautions issued for motorists.
Boaters are asked to avoid areas where lakes or rivers have spilled over the banks, because boat wakes can cause added damage to flooded structures, docks or water-laden levees. If operation in these areas is necessary, the patrol said, boaters should operate at idle speed to avoid causing a wake.
And dangers to vehicles caused by fast-moving currents also apply to water craft; swift waters can capsize or flip boats and personal watercraft.
Severe storms, flash flooding, swift currents - these terms to convey - not suggest or imply - imminent danger.
When the waters rise, steer clear.