May 20, 2019 – 3:14 PM
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for Independence, Kansas. The Verdigris will rise to near 38.4 feet by Wednesday morning. The river will fall below flood stage (30 feet) by Wednesday evening.
A river height of 38.4’ will cause flooding of the following locations in Independence:
- 800 blk of North Park Blvd by the baseball field complex
- South Pennsylvania Ave at the City limits
- South 10th Street at Railroad Tracks (South City Limits)
Due to the rising Verdigris river, the City of Independence will be closing the Pine Street access to the City Dam.
Strong to severe thunderstorms will continue through tonight and ending Tuesday morning. These storms are producing very heavy rainfall and the risk for flash flooding to occur in the City of Independence in areas such as Whiskey Creek, and the underpasses on Penn Avenue, Park Blvd and West Main. Citizens should be weather aware, avoid driving in high water and be prepared to evacuate if needed.
The City of Independence will continue to monitor the situation closely and will update as conditions change. Citizens can monitor the City, Police and Fire-EMS webpage and Facebook page for updates and in the event, flash flooding occurs, the City will use our Civic Ready Alert system. You can sign up for Civic Ready Alerts at this link: https://independence-ks-area.regroup.com/signup
David Cowan, Emergency Preparedness Director
DavidC@IndependenceKs.gov
620-332-2528