NORTHEAST KANSAS — Torrential rains Thursday and Friday nights drenched parts of northeast Kansas, dumping significant totals across the region and leading to flash flooding, road damage, and emergency evacuations.
Rainfall amounts reached as much as a foot in some areas, primarily south of a line stretching from Waterville and Blue Rapids east toward Frankfort. Much of Washington County recorded widespread totals exceeding six inches, with hail reported Thursday evening.
In the Marysville area, rainfall totals were more moderate, generally between one and two inches. Southeast Nebraska saw around an inch of precipitation.
Overnight rainfall totals of 5 to 6 inches in some locations led to flash flooding, prompting emergency response efforts west of Frankfort. A group of muzzleloader campers at Corndodger Station was impacted by rising waters. Emergency management officials confirmed all campers were accounted for after initially receiving reports that one individual had been swept away. That person was later found safe.
Approximately 20 members of Search and Rescue Task Force 2, representing fire departments from Manhattan, Junction City, and Topeka, were deployed to assist local first responders with evacuation efforts.
Public works and emergency management crews spent Saturday assessing damage to rural roads and several secondary highways that were inundated by floodwaters. Flash flood warnings remained in effect for parts of the region, while street flooding was reported in multiple communities, including Centralia in Nemaha County.
Officials continue to monitor conditions and urge residents to avoid flooded roadways as recovery efforts move forward.
