Emporia Soaked
By Brandy Nance
Originally published 01:43 p.m., May 27, 2008
Updated 01:43 p.m., May 27, 2008
Moderate flooding is expected on the Cottonwood River in Emporia after more than 3 inches of rain fell on Emporia since Friday morning.
Beth Kanop, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Topeka, said this morning that Emporia had seen 3.39 inches since 7 a.m. Friday. Monday night, Emporia received 1.21 inches.
The holiday weekend brought a seemingly endless chain of thunderstorms streaming through Kansas like the cars on a long freight train. The storms spawned a few small tornadoes and some strong straight-line winds. Some minor wind damage from the early storms was reported in and around Emporia.
The seemingly endless series of storms put an end to plans for outdoor activities over the Memorial Day weekend.
Around the state, some areas received large hail and damaging winds. Three tornadoes were reported Monday evening near Pratt, but none of them struck the town.
As of this morning, there were no rivers in flood stage around Emporia, but the Cottonwood is expected to rise above flood stage this afternoon. Flood stage for the Cottonwood is 20 feet. The river is expected to crest at 25 feet. The Neosho River near Neosho Rapids is expected to crest at 25 feet and the Neosho River near Emporia is expected to stay below flood stage and crest at around 17 feet.
“There is a lot of water upstream that still has to make it downstream and hit Emporia and Neosho Rapids,” Kanop said, of the Cottonwood River at Plymouth. “There’s an awful lot of water sitting around.”
The forecast for the rest of the day today is spotty showers.
“We’re not looking at heavy downpours,” Kanop said. “Still people should be aware that there may be some thunder and some lightning. ...”
Kanop offered several safety tips in dealing with floods. She said if there’s any water on a roadway don’t drive through it.
“It’s never smart to drive through a flooded roadway,” Kanop said.
When protecting property, residents need to be aware of their own personal safety first.
“Protect your property if you’re able to but keep yourself safe,” Kanop said. “Don’t walk though standing water. People can drown in a little bit of water, and don’t let your kids play in floodwaters.”