Kansas City, MO – Drivers across west central Missouri face immediate danger as floodwaters overtake roads and cut off travel routes before sunrise Thursday, with multiple closures already reported.
According to the National Weather Service in Kansas City/Pleasant Hill, a Flash Flood Warning remains in effect until 3 a.m. Thursday for Bates, southeastern Cass, western Henry, and southwestern Johnson counties. Law enforcement confirmed active flooding, with 3 to 7 inches of rain already on the ground and an additional 1 to 3 inches possible before the warning expires.
In Bates and Henry counties, numerous roads are impassable, while rising water is spreading into parts of Cass and Johnson counties. Communities including Butler, Adrian, Garden City, and Rich Hill are seeing creeks and low-lying roads overflow, with underpasses and rural routes especially vulnerable. Nighttime conditions are making it harder to spot flooded areas, increasing the risk for drivers.
Officials urge residents to avoid all non-essential travel. Even shallow water can stall or sweep away vehicles, particularly along secondary highways and county roads.
Flash flooding will remain a threat through 3 a.m., and additional warnings could be issued if rainfall continues at current rates.
