Moderate Flooding Expected Along Grand River in North Missouri
Grand River expected to reach moderate flood stage in multiple north Missouri counties, with rural roads going underwater through Wednesday.
CHILLICOTHE, MISSOURI — The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings for the Grand River as moderate flooding is forecast to impact multiple counties in north-central Missouri through Wednesday morning.
The river near Chillicothe is expected to reach 29.3 feet this afternoon, well above the 24.0-foot flood stage, according to the Weather Service office in Kansas City. At 3:45 a.m. Sunday, the river stage measured 16.2 feet and was rising rapidly.
“At 28.0 feet, rural roads are under water,” officials warned in the flood advisory. The flooding will affect Linn and Livingston counties, with the river remaining above flood stage from this morning until Monday evening.
Extended Warning Near Sumner
A separate and more prolonged flood warning covers the Grand River near Sumner, where moderate flooding is forecast to persist until Wednesday morning. This warning affects Linn, Livingston, Carroll and Chariton counties.
The river at Sumner measured 8.5 feet early Sunday morning but is expected to surge above the 26.0-foot flood stage this afternoon. Forecasters predict the river will crest at 31.6 feet just after midnight tonight before gradually receding.
The extended flooding at Sumner will cause rural roads to go underwater as water levels exceed 28.0 feet, matching conditions expected near Chillicothe.
Forecast Timeline
Near Chillicothe, the Grand River will rise above flood stage late this morning and peak at 29.3 feet this afternoon. Water levels will then drop below flood stage this evening, reaching 19.3 feet by Monday morning.
The river is forecast to rise again to 21.2 feet Monday evening before falling and remaining below flood stage. The bankfull stage for this location is 24.0 feet.
At Sumner, the river will remain above flood stage from this afternoon through late Tuesday morning. The bankfull stage there is 23.0 feet, significantly lower than the predicted crest of 31.6 feet.
Residents in affected areas should monitor conditions closely and avoid driving through flooded roadways. The National Weather Service emphasizes that just six inches of moving water can knock down an adult, and 12 inches can carry away a vehicle.
