Springfield, Missouri – A widespread Flood Watch is in effect across parts of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas starting late Wednesday night, with up to 7 inches of rain possible in some areas by Thursday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Springfield and Tulsa, multiple rounds of thunderstorms are expected to move across the region through Thursday, producing excessive rainfall rates and a heightened flash flood risk. The watch includes southeast Kansas (Bourbon, Crawford, Cherokee), southwest Missouri (Jasper, Newton, Barry, McDonald, Lawrence, Barton, Stone), northeast Oklahoma (Ottawa, Craig, Nowata, Delaware), and northwest Arkansas (Benton, Carroll, Madison, Washington).
Forecasters warn that “training” storms—where heavy rain cells repeatedly pass over the same locations—could lead to rapid rises in streams, creeks, and rivers. Urban flooding is also possible in cities like Joplin, Pittsburg, Fayetteville, and Grove. Roadways in low-lying areas could become impassable during peak rainfall.
Residents should avoid driving through flooded roads, charge mobile devices, and stay alert for upgraded flash flood warnings. Thunderstorms could also bring brief periods of gusty winds and lightning overnight into Thursday morning.
Rainfall rates are expected to be highest between 2 a.m. and noon Thursday. Additional watches or warnings may be issued if rainfall persists into the afternoon.
