Tracking river flood potential
We’ve been tracking localized flooding for you all weekend long, but with more rain on the way, flooding is still a major concern.
The National Severe Storms Laboratory of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration states that flash flooding is the most dangerous type of flooding as there is little forewarning allowing for preparations to be made. Only a few inches of rainfall can have catastrophic consequences when the ground is unable to absorb any more moisture.
River flooding can happen both quickly or over a matter of time as moisture accumulates from different events such as snow melting, rainfall, or in the event that a levee or dam breaks. River levels are measured in feet above the local elevation, and different levels are coordinated with different flood stages.
As we have been seeing excessive amounts of rainfall across the area, flooding has been causing issues over the last few days. That being said, experts at the National Weather Service offices are keeping a close eye on the river forecasts, especially for the Missouri River in Jefferson City.
Several inches of rainfall over the course of the last week has led the Missouri River to reach a moderate flood stage. With more rain forecasted to arrive by mid-week, we can expect to stay in some form of a flood stage until early Thursday morning.
Flooding is the second-leading cause of death by natural events and should be taken seriously. We saw numerous water rescues over the weekend, and with conditions still staying in flood stage, we should be on high alert when passing through frequently flooded areas.
