Springfield, Mo. – Southwest Missouri and parts of southeast Kansas are under a Flood Watch beginning Tuesday afternoon as heavy rainfall threatens to swamp low-lying roads and creeks through Wednesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Springfield, slow-moving thunderstorms could drop 1 to 3 inches of rain across the region, with isolated pockets seeing as much as 5 inches. The watch covers Greene, Jasper, Camden, and 22 other Missouri counties, as well as Crawford, Bourbon, and Cherokee counties in Kansas.
Training storms—multiple rounds of rain over the same areas—could quickly overwhelm drainage systems. Flash flooding is most likely along rivers, small streams, and low-water crossings. Communities like Joplin, Lebanon, and Fort Leonard Wood should prepare for rapid water rise and dangerous driving conditions, especially overnight.
Residents are urged to avoid flooded roads, monitor updates, and have emergency kits ready. If you live in flood-prone areas, consider relocating valuables and ensuring sump pumps are working.
The Flood Watch remains in effect through 11 a.m. Wednesday, with additional warnings possible depending on rainfall rates and storm development.
