The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flash flood warnings for parts of Missouri and Kansas, urging drivers to avoid traveling on dangerous flooded roads. The warnings cover several counties in both states, with heavy rain causing flash flooding in the areas. Local officials reported that several inches of rain had already fallen by early Sunday, leading to flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, underpasses, and other low-lying areas. The NWS advised people to “turn around, don’t drown” when encountering flooded roads and to find alternate routes, especially in hilly terrain where low water crossings can be dangerous in heavy rain.
In Missouri, flash flood warnings were issued for southern Dallas, northeastern Greene, southwestern Laclede, southern Polk, and Webster Counties, with a warning in effect until 12:45 p.m. CDT on Sunday. Additionally, a warning for eastern Dade, Greene, and southwestern Polk Counties was in effect until 12:15 p.m. In Kansas, a flash flood warning for Anderson County was in effect until 9 a.m. CDT, along with a warning for northwestern Anderson, northeastern Coffey, and southwestern Franklin Counties. The NWS emphasized the potential danger of flood deaths occurring in vehicles and advised residents to avoid traveling on flooded roads.
The NWS office in St. Louis posted on social media that the rainy weather was expected to clear later on Sunday, with decreasing cloudiness and afternoon sunshine. The forecast warned of intense rainfall over parts of the Middle Mississippi Valley, causing flash flooding in many areas. A front extending from the mid-Atlantic southwestward to the Tennessee Valley and then westward to the Central Rockies was expected to move eastward to the Eastern Seaboard by Monday evening. Moisture pooling along the boundary would contribute to showers and thunderstorms, with heavy rain affecting southern Missouri.
In its latest forecast, the NWS highlighted a moderate risk of severe rainfall over parts of the Middle Mississippi Valley through Monday morning, leading to numerous areas of flash flooding. The heavy rain was expected to create potentially dangerous conditions, with many streams at risk of flooding and larger rivers potentially being affected. The NWS reminded residents to stay informed, heed warnings, and take precautions to ensure their safety during the flash flood warnings. The agency’s focus was on keeping people safe and informed as severe weather conditions persisted in the region.
