Flooding threat continues in Southeast Kansas

Continuous rounds of thunderstorms that have dumped torrential rainfall for several days in Southeast Kansas have created the threat for major flooding.

In Bourbon County, the flooding situation isn't severe, yet. "We're not in big-time trouble yet, but the rivers are coming up," Sheriff Harold Coleman said.

The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings for the Little Osage River in the Fulton area and the Marmaton River in Fort Scott.

On Thursday, the Marmaton River was measured at 34.51 feet. The flood stage is 38 feet. It was forecasted that the river would rise above flood stage by late Thursday and continue to rise to near 40.5 feet after midnight, early Friday, according to NWS. However, the river will fall below flood stage by early Friday afternoon, according to NWS.

River forecasts take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected approximately 12 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time.

At 40.5 feet, flood waters begin to impact low areas in flood prone areas like Happy Hollow Road, Maple Road and Second Street north and west of downtown Fort Scott.

The Marmaton River at Uniontown on Thursday was measured at 9 feet. The Little Osage, which floods easily, was measured Thursday at 19.01 feet. Flood stage for the river is 22 feet. It's expected to possibly rise to 23.5 feet by late Thursday.

As of Thursday, the area has received 2.40 inches of rainfall for April.

The National Weather Service urges drivers not to risk driving through water-covered roads or flowing water. Nearly half of all flood fatalities are vehicle related. As little as 6 inches of water may cause a driver to lose control of his or her vehicle. Two feet of water will carry most vehicles away.

A cold front will sweep east across the region on Friday and provide additional chances for heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms. An additional 1 to 3 inches of rain is possible.

"Given the amount of heavy rain that has already occurred and the anticipated additional heavy rain, significant widespread flash flooding will continue throughout Thursday into Friday," the National Weather Service said.