Floods in Kansas have caused millions of dollars in damage and loss of life. Nationwide, floods are responsible for more property damage and loss of life than any other natural hazard. The USGS monitors flood conditions at more than 180 streamgages across Kansas. Water level and flow information are used by the National Weather Service (NWS) to make accurate flood forecasts. Included in this topic are tables and maps that summarize flood conditions using real-time data from the streamgages, NWS flood forecast information, and publications that describe historic floods in Kansas.
Flood Watch
- Kansas streamgages at of above flood stage: Flood and High Flow Map
- Most Recent Flow and Stage-Table
- Locations above Flood Stage-Table
- Summary of Flood and High Flow Conditions-Table
- Cowskin Creek flood information
Flood Information
- Turn Around Don't Drown®
- Wateralert Subscription
- Current flood and high flow map for the nation
- USGS Flood Information
- Flood Research
NWS Flood Links
- River Forecasts
- Missouri Basin River Forecast Center
- Arkansas-Red Basin River Forecast Center
- NWS Hydrometeorological Prediction Center
- Precipitation Analysis
- Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts (5-day, 7-day)
- Weather Radar
NWS Weather Forecast Offices
- Dodge City Weather Forecast Office
- Goodland Weather Forecast Office
- Hastings Weather Forecast Office
- Kansas City-Pleasant Hill Weather Forecast Office
- Springfield Weather Forecast Office
- Topeka Weather Forecast Office
- Wichita Weather Forecast Office
Flood Maps
TURN AROUND DON'T DROWN®
Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. Why? The main reason is people underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in automobiles as they are swept downstream. Of these drownings, many are preventable, but too many people continue to drive around the barriers that warn you the road is flooded. Whether you are driving or walking, if you come to a flooded road, Turn Around Don't Drown. You will not know the depth of the water nor will you know the condition of the road under the water.
- Follow these safety rules:
- Monitor the NOAA Weather Radio, or your favorite news source for vital weather related information.
- If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes etc.
- Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Turn Around Don't Drown
- Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. Turn Around Don't Drown If your vehicle is suddenly caught in rising water, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
- Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers
Related Content
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Historic Floods Along Arkansas River
Despite often being completely dry during drought conditions in western parts of Kansas, the Arkansas River can become deceptively menacing at high flow and cause millions of dollars in damage. The following briefly describe the Arkansas River Basin in Kansas, chronicle the effects of human development on streamflow in the basin, and provide brief descriptions of some of the larger floods.
Related Content
- Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Historic Floods Along Arkansas River
Despite often being completely dry during drought conditions in western parts of Kansas, the Arkansas River can become deceptively menacing at high flow and cause millions of dollars in damage. The following briefly describe the Arkansas River Basin in Kansas, chronicle the effects of human development on streamflow in the basin, and provide brief descriptions of some of the larger floods.
- Data
- Multimedia
- Publications