Kansas City, Missouri – Drivers across northern Missouri and eastern Kansas could face dangerous flooding conditions by Tuesday afternoon as heavy rains drench the region and rivers rise.
According to the National Weather Service in Kansas City/Pleasant Hill, a Flood Watch remains in effect from 7 a.m. Tuesday through 7 a.m. Wednesday. The alert spans 60+ counties including Jackson, Clay, Buchanan, Platte, and Johnson counties in Missouri, and Wyandotte, Johnson, and Leavenworth counties in Kansas.
Roads prone to flash flooding—like U.S. 36 near Chillicothe and I-70 through Kansas City—may become impassable during peak rainfall. Low-lying neighborhoods, particularly in St. Joseph, Liberty, and Brookfield, are at heightened risk as runoff accumulates rapidly in creeks and drainage systems.
Residents are urged to avoid travel during downpours, move valuables off basement floors, and never drive through water-covered roads. Officials warn this could mirror last summer’s flooding in the Missouri River Valley.
Rainfall totals may exceed 3 inches in some areas, increasing the chance of overnight stream overflow. Emergency crews in Kansas City and Columbia are on standby for possible water rescues.
The Flood Watch remains in effect through Wednesday morning. Further alerts or warnings could be issued as rainfall rates intensify.
