Flooding concerns rise as KC enters five-day stormy weather pattern

Showers and thunderstorms moved through eastern Kansas and northern Missouri early Thursday, raising concerns of more flooding in the Kansas City region.

The storms also hinted at what’s in store for the Kansas City area during the next five days — overnight storms that fade away through the morning and early afternoon hours and then redeveloping overnight, according to the National Weather Service.

While some of the storms could be severe with the strongest storms producing frequent lightning, small hail and gusty winds, the primary threat will be torrential rains that could result in flash flooding. The threat of flooding will remain a major concern across the region through the weekend, the National Weather Service said.

The storms early Thursday prompted the National Weather Service to issue a flash flood warning for Doniphan and Atchison counties in Kansas, and Buchanan, Clay, Clinton, northeastern Platte, Ray and southern Caldwell counties in Missouri.

Radar had indicated the slow-moving thunderstorms were producing torrential rainfalls across those counties. Some of the areas had already received 3 inches of rain, and up to 2 more inches were possible.

The National Weather Service warned that with existing flooding from Wednesday, there could be more flash flooding Thursday morning.

The storms were expected to fade by early Thursday afternoon. However, another round of strong storms was expected to develop across Nebraska and Kansas Thursday evening. Heavy rainfall from those storms were expected to create additional flooding and flash flooding, according to the National Weather Service.

Strong winds and quarter-size hail were possible with the storms that are expected to develop later Thursday evening, along with potential for an isolated tornado well west of Intestate 35, according to the National Weather Service.

Storms probably will be ongoing across some portions of the Kansas City region Friday morning. While the storms will fade, they are expected to redevelop Friday afternoon and evening and move east through the area.

These storms are likely to produce some hail and strong winds and heavy rains.

Another round of strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible Saturday, bringing the potential for strong winds and flooding rains.

Heavy rain producing thunderstorms will be possible again Sunday night. There’s also a chance for rain on Monday.

 

This story was originally published June 4, 2015 at 10:10 AM with the headline "Flooding concerns rise as KC enters five-day stormy weather pattern."