Flooding update: Waters continue to rise in Vernon County

Heavy rains inundated the area again on Wednesday, and is expected to continue through the next several days, increasing the risk of flooding and leading the National Weather Service to note that many changes in flooding forecasts could change as weather events unfold.

On Wednesday, the forecast for rain on Thursday was 50 to 60 percent, 70 percent Friday and 40 percent Friday night, and 40 percent for Saturday and Saturday night. A chance of storms also remained in the forecast for Sunday; and more rain is possible through the middle of next week.

A flood warning continues for the Little Osage River near Horton, the Marmaton River near Nevada, and the Osage River near Schell City.

As of Wednesday evening, the warning for the Osage had been extended until further notice. At 7:45 a.m., Wednesday, the river had reached 32 feet. Flood stage for the Osage River is 30 feet, and the river was expected to rise to about 34.5 feet by early morning, Sunday, before beginning to recede.

For the Marmaton River near Nevada, the flood warning has been extended through late Monday night or until canceled. The river had already reached 24.5 feet, 4.5 feet above flood stage. Forecasters expect the river to continue to rise to about 27 feet by Friday evening, remaining above flood stage through Monday morning. Moderate flooding occurs at 26 feet.

For the Little Osage River near Horton, the flood warning has been extended through Sunday, with the river currently expected to crest at about 47.5 feet. At 45 feet, moderate flooding occurs at the gauge site.

Flash floods are also likely over the next few days, as intermittent heavy rainfall persists. Rainfall amounts of 1-3 inches are possible through Friday morning.

Travelers should be aware that flash floods and flooding also could occur along waterways throughout the Missouri Ozarks and southeast Kansas, through Friday.

The NWS and public safety officials warn the public to avoid driving through flowing water, noting that nearly half of all flood fatalities are vehicle-related. As little as six inches of water can cause a driver to lose control of a vehicle. Two feet of water will carry most vehicles away.