Flood Watch Extended Through Tuesday as Northern Missouri Battles Rising Waters
Flash flooding threatens 15 Missouri counties as up to 9 inches of rain saturates the region, with more storms expected through Tuesday.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI — The National Weather Service extended a flood watch through Tuesday morning for parts of north central and northwest Missouri as excessive rainfall continues to threaten the region with flash flooding. The watch, issued at 3:34 AM CDT on May 17, remains in effect until 10:00 AM CDT on May 19.
Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is already occurring in northern Daviess County and southern Grundy County, prompting a flood warning that will remain active until noon Sunday. Local law enforcement reported extensive flooding across the warned area at 3:26 AM CDT, with many roads now closed to traffic.
Rainfall Totals and Current Conditions
Between 3 and 9 inches of rain have fallen across the affected areas, according to the National Weather Service Kansas City/Pleasant Hill office. The excessive rainfall occurred Saturday evening and night, saturating soils throughout the region.
Locations experiencing flooding include Trenton, Gilman City, Pattonsburg, Galt, Laredo, Coffey, Jameson, Mcfall, Tindall, and Brimson. Officials urge extreme caution for anyone traveling across the warning area Sunday morning due to dangerous road conditions.
Extended Threat Period
The flood watch covers 15 counties across north central and northwest Missouri. In north central Missouri, the affected counties include Daviess, Grundy, Harrison, Linn, Livingston, Mercer, Putnam, and Sullivan. Northwest Missouri counties under the watch are Andrew, Atchison, De Kalb, Gentry, Holt, Nodaway, and Worth.
Additional rounds of storms are expected Sunday night and Monday night, with locally heavy rainfall possible once again. The National Weather Service warns that with saturated soils in many areas, any additional heavy rain could lead to rapid flooding.
Flood Safety and Travel Warnings
Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Low-water crossings may be flooded, and extensive street flooding is possible as area creeks and streams are running high.
The National Weather Service emphasizes that flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring in the warned areas. Officials advise residents to avoid driving through flooded roads and to stay informed about changing conditions throughout the extended watch period.
