Moderate flooding forecast along the Missouri River

By Jared Shelton News-Press NOW Meteorologist

Several rounds of heavy rain have swept across parts of the mid and upper Missouri River basin over the past seven to 10 days, resulting in moderate to major flooding of the Missouri River and many of its tributaries north of the I-80 corridor.

Drainage from flooding up-river combined with run-off associated with locally heavy rainfall has spurred a steady rise in water levels along the Missouri River from Omaha to Kansas City in recent days. As of Wednesday morning, minor flooding began taking place on the Missouri River at St. Joseph.

A flood warning has been issued along the Missouri River for points north of Kansas City, including Buchanan County, through Friday, July 5. Water levels are anticipated to continue rising well into next week.

Moderate flooding is forecast to develop on the Missouri River at St. Joseph this weekend, with a crest of 24.5 feet expected by Tuesday, July 2. According to the National Weather Service, this will likely result in flooding of recreational areas such as River Front Park, and potentially cause flooding for low-lying residential areas on the northwest side of St. Joseph.