Flash Flood — Ellsworth, Kansas

2007-05-23 to 2007-05-24 · near Ellsworth, Ellsworth, Kansas

Event narrative

Numerous, slow-moving thunderstorms produced widespread 4 to 7 inch rainfall amounts across primarily the southeastern three-quarters of Ellsworth County from the late afternoon hours on May 23rd, to the early morning hours on May 24th. This caused widespread countywide flash flooding. Several rural and city roads were closed due to high water, and several roads countywide were damaged. Numerous homes and businesses received various magnitudes of flood damage. Some evacuations were needed along area rivers and streams, as well as along portions of Kanopolis Reservoir. Thankfully there were no injuries. Combined public and private damages were likely around $4-5 million.

Wider weather episode

A stalled frontal boundary resulted in numerous, slow-moving strong to severe thunderstorms across portions of central and south-central Kansas from the afternoon hours on May 23rd, to the early morning hours on May 24th. In addition to large hail and high winds, very heavy rainfall amounts occurred over a short period of time, resulting in widespread urban and rural flash flooding across the area. Additionally, excessive runoff produced river and stream flooding for days, inflicting millions of dollars in damages to roads, businesses and homes.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (38.7300, -98.2300)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 34081. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.