Flood in Rice County, Kansas

Numerous, slow-moving thunderstorms produced widespread 2 to 5 inch rainfall amounts across Rice County from the late afternoon hours on May 23rd, to the early morning hours on May 24th. Excessive runoff caused area streams and creeks to overflow their banks, resulting in widespread flooding. Several rural and city roads were closed due to high water, agricultural land was inundated, and several roads countywide were damaged. Numerous homes and businesses received various magnitudes of flood damage. Some evacuations were needed along the Cow Creek. The community of Saxman was essentially surrounded by the flooded Cow Creek. Thankfully there were no injuries reported countywide. Combined public and private damages suffered across Rice County were likely around $4 million.

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.