Flash Flooding in Missouri, October 4 to 5, 1998

Thunderstorms containing very heavy rainfall over West Central Missouri on October 4th resulted in several episodes of major flash flooding. The most deadly and costly flooding occurred in Jackson County where nine people lost their lives on the evening of October 4th. The Kansas City metropolitan area experienced the worst of the flooding which was similar in historical context as the devastating flash flood in September 1977. Several episodes of heavy rain producing thunderstorms commenced on the morning of October 4th and continued into early afternoon. In Lee's Summit, up to 10 people had to be rescued from a flooded apartment complex and the depth of the water on 3rd St reached 3 feet . This heavy rain fell on top of already saturated soil from rain that occurred 6 out of 7 days prior to October 4th. Shortly after 7 PM, a line of slow moving thunderstorms moved into the Kansas City metropolitan area. These thunderstorms produced 3 to 5 inches of rain in less than 2 hours in many locations. The combination of very intense downpours and dangerous lightning forced a 52 minute delay in the nationally televised Kansas City Chiefs-Seattle Seahawks football game at Arrowhead Stadium just outside the city limits of Kansas City in Jackson County. An 8 year old boy from Lake Jacomo was swept into a creek while playing near his home.The torrential rainfall resulted in severe flash flooding along Brush Creek in Kansas City. Seven people lost their lives as a result of their vehicles being swept into the rapidly moving stream while attempting to cross the water covered bridge over Brush Creek at Prospect Avenue. A 57 year old women was found dead at a tennis court near 53rd Street and State Line Road which is in the Brush Creek basin. An entire apartment complex along Woodland Avenue near Brush Creek was completely flooded and all tenants lost their home. At least 200 families in Kansas City reported damage to their home. Along Southwest Blvd., many business were severely damaged by flood waters and forced to close until relief arrived. There were numerous road closures in Kansas City as a result of the flash flood.North of the Missouri River in the Kansas City Metro area, numerous roads were closed in Platte County including portions of Highways 371 and 45. In Clay County, bridges were washed out at 188th Street and Nations and at 199th Street and Outer Road. Water 3 to 6 feet in depth covered roadways in Smithville and Mosby. Kansas City Fire Department reported over 200 water rescues throughout the Metro Area during the flood.Flash flooding also was reported in Buchanan County. A 56 year old St. Joseph man was killed when his car washed off the road into Pigeon Creek near 41st Road on the south side of St. Joseph. The heaviest 24 hour rainfall amounts of 7 inches were reported in Ray and Carroll Counties. Numerous roads were closed in Carrollton including sections of Highway 65. In Ray County, Highway 210 was closed and P Highway was blocked off near Camden due to a mudslide.