A pre-dawn deluge has parts of southern Missouri and southeast Kansas on edge, with a Flood Warning in effect early Sunday after heavy rain turned creeks and low-water crossings into dangerous torrents. The National Weather Service office in Springfield issued the warning at 4:37 a.m. CDT and said it will stay in place into Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
The warning stretches across dozens of counties, from Barry and Greene up through Polk and Webster, and calls out cities including Springfield, Joplin, Nixa and Ozark. Numerous roads in the warned area are already closed, and emergency managers have reported between 1 and 6 inches of rain across the region, as reported by ABC17 News.
What the NWS warned
Forecasters say flooding is either happening now or expected very soon in parts of the region. The official bulletin highlights several low-water crossings where dangerous flows are expected, including Beaver Creek at County Road 524, Bull Creek at Center Road and Wilson's Creek at Old Limey Road. Streams in the warned area continue to rise, according to the National Weather Service.
Road hazards and safety
The message from forecasters is blunt: "Turn around, don't drown," a reminder that many flood deaths happen in vehicles. Campers and hikers are being urged to stay clear of streams and creeks, and drivers are being told not to try to cross flooded low-water bridges or fords where water may be deeper and swifter than it looks, according to ABC17 News.
How to follow updates
Local emergency officials are tracking conditions and updating road closures as new reports come in. Drivers and residents are urged to check county emergency management pages and local TV outlets for the latest advisories. Ongoing coverage and live updates are available from ABC17 News.
