National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Regional Outbreaks of Severe Weather Through Early Next Week; Early Season Heat Wave across the South

Active spring pattern across the center of our nation with several episodes of severe weather and heavy rainfall expected into next week. The potential for very large hail, long track tornadoes, severe wind gusts, frequent cloud to ground lightning strikes and flash flooding are in the outlook. Furthermore, dangerous early season heat wave continues for the Gulf Coast states into early next week. Read More >

 

The same upper level low pressure system that helped to trigger shower and thunderstorm development across the Central Plains Friday night produced widespread heavy rain across the region Saturday and Sunday.  This caused extensive river flooding across northeastern Kansas, and ponding of water over roadways and low lying areas across the region.  Numerous reports of flooded roadways and homes were received.

 

Kansas River from Sardou Bridge in Topeka morning of May 7.

 

 

Flooding east of Oakland Expressway to south of Kansas River, morning of May 7.

 

 

 
The Kansas River at Lawrence, Monday afternoon, May 7.

 

 

 

Cooperative Observers, Automated Surface Observation Stations, and Storm Spotters all reported rainfall amounts during the period to the National Weather Service at Topeka.  Several Cooperative Observers also record and report river levels for local creeks and streams. 

 

The National Weather Service Flood Safety Page can be found HERE.