TOPEKA, KS – July 23, 2025 – A Flood Watch has been issued for a significant portion of central, east central, north central, and northeast Kansas, effective from Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon. Residents across numerous counties and cities are urged to prepare for potential flooding caused by excessive rainfall.
The National Weather Service issued the watch at 2:08 PM CDT on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, forecasting thunderstorms capable of delivering very heavy rain. Localized rainfall totals could exceed 3 inches.
Counties under the Flood Watch include:
- Central Kansas: Dickinson
- East Central Kansas: Anderson, Coffey, Douglas, Franklin, Geary, Lyon, Morris, Osage, Shawnee, and Wabaunsee
- North Central Kansas: Clay and Ottawa
- Northeast Kansas: Brown, Jackson, Jefferson, Marshall, Nemaha, Pottawatomie, and Riley
Cities within the affected area include, but are not limited to:
McFarland, Horton, Topeka, Burlington, Osage City, Nortonville, Hiawatha, Seneca, Harveyville, Garnett, Valley Falls, Alma, Wamego, Abilene, Ottawa, Emporia, Overbrook, Paxico, Eskridge, Sabetha, Meriden, Perry, Manhattan, Bennington, Lawrence, Alta Vista, Carbondale, Burlingame, Council Grove, Lebo, Clay Center, Junction City, St. Marys, Holton, McLouth, Maple Hill, Blue Rapids, Minneapolis, Frankfort, Oskaloosa, Herington, Lyndon, Marysville, and Grantville.
Impacts of the excessive runoff may include:
- Flooding of rivers, creeks, and streams.
- Inundation of other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Authorities advise residents to monitor later forecasts closely and be alert for possible Flood Warnings, which indicate that flooding is imminent or already occurring. Those residing in areas susceptible to flooding should take proactive measures to prepare for potential high water.
Preparedness Actions:
- Stay informed by monitoring local news and weather updates.
- Have an emergency plan in place, including evacuation routes if necessary.
- Prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies.
- If your home is prone to flooding, be ready to take action to protect property.
- Remember: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” – never drive or walk through flooded roads or rapidly moving water.
