Heavy Rains Impact Osawatomie, Marais des Cygnes River

City of Osawatomie officials are monitoring local waterways as recent heavy rains in and around Osawatomie cause rivers to swell and water levels to rise.

While there is currently no need to begin installing the levee gates around the community, officials note that they are continuously monitoring the situation as forecast rains move in and out of the region over the next several days.

Although no Osawatomie roadways are currently reported as actively flooded, low-lying areas may experience high water as the rivers continue to rise Sunday and overnight into Monday. The National Weather Service has predicted the Marais des Cygnes River to peak at 9:00am Monday. Drivers who encounter water over a road should turn around and find an alternative route as flood waters are unpredictable and dangerous at even just a few inches of depth.

People often underestimate the power of flowing water. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock an adult off their feet. Most vehicles begin to lose contact with the road in six inches of water. They can be swept away in 12-18 inches of flowing water. This includes pickups and SUVs. When approaching a flooded roadway remember, Turn Around Don’t Drown!