After a weekend of heavy rains, the outlook for the next week shows some reprieve for the region.
Numerous flood warnings were posted over the weekend after river levels rose into flood stage across much of northeast and north-central Kansas. Most have since been lifted in the Manhattan area. The Kansas River, which remains high, was pulled from a flood warning early Monday morning.
Tuttle Creek Lake levels have been steadily rising, with the latest observation at 1,131.62 Monday morning. The three-day forecast shows the lake level rising above 1,133 feet. Outflow was reduced Sunday from 10,000 cubic feet per second to 200 CFS.
Things begin to dry out this week as rain chances diminish, and the jet stream retreats. The most significant chance for precipitation is a 30 percent chance for showers and thunderstorms Tuesday night. The rest of the week should be sunny and dry.
12:00 p.m. Sunday original story
MANHATTAN — Flooding is occurring across much of north-central and northeast Kansas after storms pushed through the region on Saturday.
Reports of 2 to 4 inches of rainfall were commonplace across the region. Numerous flood warnings are posted including for the Kansas River at Manhattan until Wednesday afternoon. At 11 a.m. Sunday the river had risen to 17.4 feet. Minor flooding occurs when it reaches 18 feet and is forecast to go to about 18.2 Sunday evening before falling.
Local officials closed the outlet gates in the levee system to prevent water from flowing backwards into the downtown district and McCall Road area. Crews on Sunday were operating pumps along the levee to get water out of the Frontage Road ditch. Caution is advised to those walking, jogging or riding a bike on Linear Trail.
In addition, minor flooding has been occurring along Wildcat Creek at Scenic Drive where readings were above 16 feet by noon Sunday. Further upstream near Keats, the creek crested in moderate floodstage at 19.18 feet late Sunday morning.
As for the Big Blue River at Tuttle Creek Lake, the latest reading as of noon Sunday was 1,130.47. Outflow has remained at 10,000 cubic feet per second.
Some isolated showers and thunderstorms are possible Sunday afternoon and evening, which keeps a Flash Flood Watch in effect through Sunday evening.
If there’s any good news to report, things should improve over the next few days as rain chances diminish, giving way to warm and dry conditions. There is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms Tuesday night. Otherwise, it will be dry and hot through the rest of the work week.
