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WyCo Public Works responds to worst flooding since 1993, officials say

Crews from Wyandotte County Public Works are continuing to respond to flooding, damage and obstructions as a result of overnight storms that brought between 7 and 11 inches of rain to Kansas City, Kansas, the Unified Government said in a press release Thursday.

Washed-out streets, erosion, downed trees, hillside slides and road obstructions have been identified by responding crews.

Flooding in some areas was the worst seen since 1993, officials said.

Inspections of the damage are expected to last through the end of next week, according to the release, but flood infrastructure did operate correctly, officials said. So far, at least 30 to 40 downed trees have been reported by crews, and that number is expected to increase.

A drainage ditch along Metropolitan Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas, following a flooding in the area on Thursday, July 17, 2025. The pond in the back overflowed after the area received several inches of rain in just a few hours the previous night and into the early morning. The overflowing of the pond caused Tamika Pledger’s home irreparable damage due to flooding.
A drainage ditch along Metropolitan Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas, following a flooding in the area on Thursday, July 17, 2025. The pond in the back overflowed after the area received several inches of rain in just a few hours the previous night and into the early morning. The overflowing of the pond caused Tamika Pledger’s home irreparable damage due to flooding. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com

The Unified Government advises residents to avoid Inland Drive north of Holiday Drive and the south side of Kansas City, Kansas, due to ongoing hazardous conditions.

Pierson Park is currently closed as a result of flooding and residents are urged to be cautious of conditions at the main entrance to Wyandotte County Lake.

Residents should contact 3-1-1 to report any downed tree limbs or road obstructions.

The Board of Public Utilities outage map is tracking power outages in the area. Debris can be disposed at locations listed on the Solid Waste Management webpage.

This story was originally published July 17, 2025 at 5:21 PM.

Maddie Carr
The Kansas City Star
Maddie Carr was a breaking news intern for The Star in 2025. A rising senior at Emporia State University, she is studying sociology and is also the editor-in-chief of ESU’s student newspaper, The Bulletin. In 2024, Maddie became the first college student to be named Kansas Journalist of the Year by the Kansas Press Association. 
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