Jul 26, 2020

UPDATE: NWS issues flash flood watches for our area

Posted Jul 26, 2020 1:01 PM

UPDATE 7:50 a.m. Sunday: The National Weather Service has updated some of the information in the watches. We have updated the story below with that information, as well as provided the weather service's updated map.

. . .

Flash flood watches have been issued for our area.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) a flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Remember to turn around, don`t drown. You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.

NWS in Wichita has issued a flash flood watch in effect from Sunday evening through early Monday morning for the following counties of our area.

Ellsworth County

Lincoln County

Marion County

McPherson County

Saline County

Thunderstorms producing heavy rainfall rates and amounts are expected to develop and move across central Kansas Sunday evening into Sunday night. Localized rainfall amounts in excess of 2 to 3 inches will be possible.

Rapid rises in creeks and streams are possible. Flooding of low lying areas may also occur.

NWS in Hastings, Neb., has issued a flash flood watch in effect from 4 p.m. Sunday through Monday morning for the following counties in our area.

Jewell County

Mitchell County

Thunderstorms are expected to develop along a cold front late Sunday afternoon into Sunday evening. Slow movement and training over the same areas, along with high moisture levels, may lead to heavy rain amounts of 2 to 4 inches, with locally higher amounts possible.

The heavy rainfall and rainfall runoff may cause areas of flash flooding and flooding of rivers and creeks, particularly the Solomon River.

NWS in Topeka has issued a flash flood watch in effect from Sunday evening through Monday morning for the following counties in our area.

Clay County

Cloud County

Dickinson County

Ottawa County

Republic County

Slow moving thunderstorms containing high rain rates and heavy rainfall are expected over the watch area Sunday night. As a result, flash flooding could occur. A widespread one to two inches of rain is likely. Localized amounts of two to four inches are possible.