Common forms of flooding
Early this week, another round of heavy rainfall impacted the region within a 24-hour period. On Tuesday, June 3, St. Joseph recorded 1.25 inches of rain, while Kansas City International Airport received 2.53 inches.
Multiple flash flood warnings were issued Tuesday by the National Weather Service, primarily in the Kansas City metro area. Flash flooding occurs when heavy or excessive rainfall happens in a short amount of time, often leading to rapid and dangerous conditions—particularly in urban areas.
Scott Watson, a senior service hydrologist for the National Weather Service in Kansas City, explained why urbanized areas are more vulnerable.
“Certain areas of Kansas City, you can see streams in those highly urbanized areas rise to flood stage within an hour, an hour and a half once the heavy rain starts,” Watson said.
In contrast, river flooding is typically a long-term event involving the overflow of water onto normally dry land, often following prolonged rainfall or snowmelt. Certain areas within the region are especially prone to flooding, including lowlands along the Missouri River and other local waterways.
“One of the most flood prone areas (in Northwest Missouri) would be along the 102 River at Rosendale, which is in Andrew County. That town frequently gets cut off by floodwaters, it’s built in the floodplains.” Watson said.
He also described the frequent disruption river flooding can cause in that area.
“Going back and looking at the data over the past 50 years or so, it’s probably roughly 30 times the town’s been cut off, where not necessarily houses are being flooded, but people can’t drive in and out of town.”
Both types of flooding can pose a risk to life, and it’s something you should be aware of. Over half of flood related deaths in the U.S. occur in vehicles. Only one foot of swiftly moving water can sweep most cars off the road. If you encounter a flooded roadway, remember— turn around, don’t drown!
