Record rains trigger flash floods and water rescues across Kansas City, Missouri and KCK

A total of 51.8 mm (2.04 inches) of rain fell across the Kansas City metropolitan area overnight into Thursday, July 17, 2025, triggering flash floods and prompting water rescues.

It was the second consecutive day with more than 50.8 mm (2 inches) of rainfall, tying a record for back-to-back days with more than 50 mm (2 inches) of rain, an event that has occurred only 12 times in the past 137 years.

The city also broke the daily rain record on Wednesday, July 16 when it registered 70.6 mm (2.78 inches) of rainfall, surpassing the previous daily record of 34.3 mm (1.35 inches) for the date set in 1968.

Between Wednesday and Thursday, Kansas City received approximately 121.9 mm (4.8 inches) of rainfall, while Independence recorded approximately 177.8 mm (7 inches).

Platte Woods recorded 139.7 mm (5.5 inches) of rainfall in the same period, and Parkville received 106.7 mm (4.2 inches). Totals decreased farther north and southeast, with Gladstone receiving 88.9 mm (3.5 inches) and Lee’s Summit recording 43.2 mm (1.7 inches).

Flash flooding affected sections of Highway 169 and Interstate 70, while Interstate 435 at 23rd Street experienced extensive flooding. Several other low-lying roads across the metro area were also submerged.

Emergency crews carried out at least 23 water rescues in the area after flooded roadways stranded and submerged multiple vehicles throughout the city.

Many areas on the Kansas State side received heavy rains as well, with flooding being reported in Kansas City, Kansas (KCK).

The highest total on the Kansas state side was recorded at Lake Quivira which logged 271.8 mm (10.7 inches), followed by Lenexa with 243.8 mm (9.6 inches), and Shawnee with 215.9 mm (8.5 inches). Olathe recorded 193 mm (7.6 inches).

The Blue River at Highway 71 rose more than 6.4 m (21 feet) overnight Wednesday into Thursday due to the heavy rain. The waterway in south KCK reached the action stage, indicating that local governments should prepare for possible flooding.

The Tomahawk Creek at Roe Avenue rose more than 3.4 m (11 feet) at the border between Overland Park and Leawood. The creek experienced minor flooding as water approached the northbound lane of Tomahawk Creek Parkway.

Thousands of customers across Kansas and Missouri experienced power outages overnight, with more than 20 000 customers without power across both states on Thursday morning.

Rishav Kothari

I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

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