In the southern half of Kansas City, the most intense rainfall occurred, with 6.62 inches recorded near 87th Lane along Mill Creek in Lenexa, according to StormWatch.com. This system uses remote weather stations throughout the Kansas City area to provide early warnings for flash flooding.
The substantial rainfall led the weather service to issue multiple flash flood warnings across the metro area. The downpour caused local creeks to overflow and streets to become flooded. Rapidly rising water caught drivers by surprise, necessitating rescues for some who attempted to navigate through the flooded areas.
According to Michael Hopkins, spokesperson for the Kansas City Fire Department, crews responded to incidents of cars getting stuck in high water areas, such as near Indian Creek on East 99th Street. Upon arrival, they found the vehicles already abandoned by their occupants.
In Overland Park, several intersections were temporarily shut down due to flooding but have since been reopened. These include West 79th Street and Frontage Road, West 95th Street and Outlook Drive, and West 119th Street from Grant Street to Three Lakes Parkway.
Several vehicles became trapped in floodwaters, potentially sustaining damage or being rendered unusable as drivers attempted to navigate through flooded zones. Officer John Lacy, spokesperson for the police department, reported that no water rescues were required.
According to Jason Rhodes, spokesperson for the Overland Park Fire Department, crews were dispatched to handle at least five incidents involving water rescues or assists. Responders provided life jackets to callers and escorted them out of the flooding, which reached waist-deep at its peak.
In a social media message, Leawood police advised drivers to be cautious due to extensive flooding caused by heavy rainfall throughout the city.
According to Leawood police, State Line Road north of Interstate 435 and Tomahawk Creek Parkway became impassable due to rising floodwaters at one point.
Leawood police reported conducting several rescues of individuals whose vehicles became disabled after driving through high floodwaters.
Prairie Village police shared images on Twitter showing flooding along Brush Creek at Mission Drive in Mission Hills.
Prairie Village police emphasized the rapid rise of water, urging everyone to stay safe and turn back if necessary.
Grandview police did not perform any water rescues but noted that at least six different roads in the city flooded, necessitating detours.
SOURCE: Kansas City