Missouri River Flooding Prompts Warning for Three Counties Through Thursday
National Weather Service warns Missouri River will crest at 17.7 feet this afternoon, bringing minor flooding to three western Missouri counties.
NAPOLEON, MISSOURI — The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the Missouri River at Napoleon that remains in effect through late Thursday night, with minor flooding expected to impact Lafayette, Ray and Jackson counties.
The warning, issued at 4:56 AM CDT on Wednesday, predicts the river will crest at 17.7 feet this afternoon before falling below flood stage after midnight tonight. At 4:00 AM Wednesday, the stage was measured at 16.3 feet.
Flood stage for the Missouri River at Napoleon is 17.0 feet. The National Weather Service forecasts the river will rise above this threshold this morning.
Expected Flood Impacts
At the predicted crest of 17.7 feet, low-lying areas unprotected by levees will begin to experience flooding. The minor flooding classification indicates water levels that typically cause minimal property damage but may affect some roads and low-lying areas.
The Missouri River at Napoleon serves as a key monitoring point for flood conditions affecting the three-county region in western Missouri.
Weather Service Monitoring
The warning extends until 1:00 AM CDT on Thursday, May 22, according to the NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill office. Officials expect river levels to drop back below flood stage shortly after midnight Wednesday night.
The National Weather Service continues to monitor river conditions and advises residents in affected areas to stay informed about potential flooding impacts. Current river stage information and safety guidelines are available through the weather service’s flood safety resources.
Lafayette, Ray and Jackson counties encompass portions of the Kansas City metropolitan area and surrounding rural communities along the Missouri River corridor.
