News Summary
East Kansas City is currently facing severe flooding due to persistent rainstorms causing significant damage to local businesses and impacting drivers. Business owners, particularly near 23rd Street and Television Place, are struggling to protect their properties as water levels continue to rise. With more rain expected and Flash Flood Warnings in effect, local authorities warn residents to avoid travel and prepare for ongoing challenges while cleanup efforts are underway.
East Kansas City is facing severe flooding issues as persistent rainstorms continue to wreak havoc on local businesses and impact drivers. Business owners near 23rd Street and Television Place are bracing themselves for greater losses, with more rain forecasted in the coming days. As of Thursday evening, water levels outside the FISCA gas station reached waist-deep, forcing owners to wade through to deliver sandbags in a desperate attempt to protect their property. The flooding has already caused significant destruction, particularly at FISCA gas station, where much of the inventory has been ruined.
Anthony Chavez, the general manager of Pallet Rack KC, reported that the company faces considerable potential damage to their steel storage products which are likely to rust if exposed to water for prolonged periods. The current flooding is notable because it lingers longer than a similar incident a decade ago, which cleared up the next day. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) initiated work on-site at 3 a.m. Thursday and identified the flooding problem as stemming from a clogged pipe on private property located south of 23rd Street. MoDOT plans to return Friday morning to address the flooding issue and to begin cleanup efforts once water levels recede.
The affected area, sitting in unincorporated Jackson County, complicates ongoing stormwater management efforts. Recently, Jackson County raised business property taxes, which has led local business owners to expect more efficient stormwater management responses. As the Kansas City area faces the repercussions of extreme weather, some parts have recorded over seven inches of rain, significantly worsening flooding conditions.
Flash Flood Warnings have been issued, urging residents to avoid travel before sunrise due to extreme danger. The Kansas City Fire Department has undertaken ten high water rescues overnight, including multiple rescues at the critical junction of 23rd Street and Television Place. The flooding has also closed 23rd Street, disrupting local traffic flow. Rain accumulation reached between 2 and 5 inches in a rapid three-hour period, exacerbating an already critical weather situation.
With additional rainfall anticipated, areas north of Kansas City may see an extra two to four inches, while Kansas City itself could receive another 0.5 to one inch. The city broke a 125-year-old rainfall record on Thursday, receiving 2.35 inches in one day. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has rated parts of northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri with a moderate threat of flooding, as a slow-moving frontal boundary is expected to continue to bring rain, keeping flood watches active.
Earlier in the week, flooding near a creek southwest of Kansas City was reported to have caused one death, adding urgency to the ongoing flood crisis. Kansas City has been recognized as one of the most flood-prone cities in the United States, with forecasts predicting intense thunderstorms and heavy downpours to persist. Emergency crews are warning against driving through high water to prevent additional rescues or accidents, as conditions predict an accumulation of 9-12 inches of total rain in isolated locations.
The community remains on high alert as local authorities work diligently to manage the flooding situation while residents prepare for the challenges that lie ahead, emphasizing the need for patience and caution as the rain continues to fall.
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Additional Resources
- KMBC: Kansas City Flash Flooding Update
- Wikipedia: Flood
- KCTV5: Standing Water Flooding in East Kansas City
- Google Search: Kansas City Flooding
- Fox4KC: Kansas City Fire Department Water Rescues
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- KMBC: Kansas City Weather Radar
- Google Scholar: Kansas City Flooding
- Kansas City Star: Local Flooding News
- Google News: Kansas City Floods
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
