Wichita, Kansas – A Flood Watch takes effect at 5 p.m. Sunday for much of central, south-central, and southeast Kansas, with thunderstorms expected to dump heavy rainfall through early Monday morning. Forecasters warn that localized flooding could develop quickly as intense downpours send water rushing over roads and into low-lying areas.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, rainfall rates may be high enough to overwhelm storm drains and cause small streams to rise rapidly. Counties under the watch include Sedgwick, Reno, Butler, Harvey, Cowley, McPherson, Marion, Rice, and areas stretching southeast to Allen and Chautauqua.
Cities such as Wichita, Hutchinson, El Dorado, Winfield, and Newton could see the heaviest rain during the overnight hours. Poor drainage in urban areas, especially near underpasses and intersections, may lead to dangerous driving conditions.
Residents are advised to avoid driving through flooded roads, keep drainage ditches clear, and be prepared to move to higher ground if water begins to rise. The watch remains in effect until 7 a.m. Monday, though river and creek flooding could persist into the afternoon if heavy rainfall materializes.
