Kansas City, Missouri – Early morning storms are triggering dangerous flooding conditions across the Kansas City metro Thursday, with rainfall totals already nearing 5 inches in some neighborhoods.
According to the National Weather Service in Kansas City, widespread thunderstorms are moving through the region as of 4:30 a.m., bringing torrential rain, strong wind gusts up to 60 mph, and significant flooding—particularly in low-lying and urban areas. Heavier rainfall is focused on southern parts of the metro, where additional localized totals could exceed 6 inches.
Drivers are urged to avoid flooded roads and heed barricades. “Turn around, don’t drown” remains critical advice this morning as water quickly covers roads in parts of Jackson, Cass, and Clay counties. Storm drains are overwhelmed, and several intersections in downtown Kansas City are already waterlogged.
Thunderstorm activity is expected to taper by Thursday afternoon, with temperatures rebounding to near 80°F. But the break will be brief—intense heat returns Friday, with highs in the mid-90s and heat index values potentially topping 105°F into next week.
Flash flood warnings remain in effect through Thursday morning. Stay tuned for updated advisories as the situation evolves.
