UG Responds to Historic Rainfall and Widespread Flooding

Published on July 17, 2025

Following a historic overnight rainstorm that dropped between 7 and 11 inches of rain across Kansas City, Kansas (KCK) in just 12 hours. Public Works crews are actively responding to widespread flooding, downed trees, and damage to local streets and infrastructure. The storm began around 7 PM on July 16 and continued through 7 AM on July 17, affecting the entire metro area.

There have been no reported fatalities.

“This storm brought an extraordinary amount of rain in a very short time, and our teams have been working nonstop to respond,” said Troy Shaw, Director of Public Works. “Some neighborhoods saw flooding levels we haven’t experienced since 1993. We appreciate residents’ patience as teams continue clearing streets and assessing the damage in the days ahead.”

All flood pump stations operated as intended throughout the storm. Damage assessments are underway and expected to continue through the end of next week. Due to staffing limitations, assessments will take longer than usual. Crews are working into the evening, with some teams expected to continue over the weekend.

Public Works has identified multiple road blockages, washed-out street sections, downed trees, hillside slides, and erosion near local streets. At least 30 to 40 trees have been reported down citywide, and that number is expected to increase as inspections continue. Some areas that experienced flooding had not seen high water since the 1993 flood, underscoring the intensity and rarity of this storm.

Residents are encouraged to avoid the south side of the city if possible, especially along Inland Drive north of Holiday Drive, where conditions remain hazardous.

Tree limbs or debris blocking the roadway should be reported by calling 3-1-1. KCK residents can find storm debris disposal options on the Solid Waste Management webpage. If water entered your home, please contact your insurance provider or a professional water restoration service. The city’s flood infrastructure operated as designed.

Crews will continue cleanup operations throughout the week. The Unified Government is documenting damages in anticipation of meeting the federal threshold for emergency reimbursement.

The Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is tracking power outages. Visit the BPU Power Outage Map.

The Parks and Recreation Department has also reported that Pierson Park (1800 South 55^th Street) is currently closed due to flooding. Wyandotte County Lake (91^st and Leavenworth Road) goers are asked to exercise caution when entering near the main entrance of the lake due to experienced flooding. The Unified Government appreciates the public’s patience as response and recovery efforts continue.