Authorities have issued elevated flash flood warnings across parts of the Midwest and Southwest, posing risks to millions of residents. The threats, active from late Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday, span regions from Kansas to Arizona.
A level 2 of 4 flash flood risk covers extensive areas stretching from the Texas panhandle to central Indiana. This zone includes major population centers such as Kansas City, Missouri; Wichita, Kansas; and Peoria, Illinois.
The situation is more critical in St. Joseph County, Missouri, located north of Kansas City, where a level 3 of 4 threat is in effect. Storms are expected to initiate late Tuesday afternoon and may continue through the overnight hours. Forecasters indicate that northeastern Kansas and northern Missouri could see between 4 and 6 inches of rain during this period.
Continued precipitation from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning has maintained a level 2 threat for a corridor extending from St. Joseph County to Chicago.
In the Southwest, a level 2 threat is also in place across Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, and Utah. Cities under watch include Tucson, Arizona; Santa Fe, New Mexico; and Cedar City, Utah. These flood risks are projected to last until at least Thursday.
Already, severe weather has caused significant disruptions. On Monday night, thunderstorms produced damaging wind gusts ranging from 70 to 83 miles per hour across the plains of Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska. The high winds knocked down trees and power lines. Meanwhile, heavy rain and strong winds in Tucson prompted water rescue operations on Monday.
Does anyone know if the rescue teams in Arizona are using boats or helicopters? Videos online look intense.
My brother lives near St. Joseph County. Hope he’s on high ground. That level 3 threat sounds terrifying.
How can power still be out across Kansas and Iowa two days later? The infrastructure here is falling apart.
I’m in Tucson and honestly? This is just a typical summer monsoon pattern. Not really alarming, just wet.
We’ve had six inches here in Peoria already. Stay off the roads if you don’t have to drive!