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Rare Southern U.S. Winter Storm; Dangerous Cold Weather For Much of the Eastern U.S.; Critical Fire Weather for Southern California

A rare winter storm impacting the Southern U.S. will move offshore Wednesday morning. Behind the storm, arctic air will continue encompassing the eastern two-thirds of the Nation with only a slow return to normal temperatures expected by the end of the week. Moderate to strong Santa Ana winds and low humidity will maintain Critical fire weather conditions in southern California into Thursday. Read More >

 

The same upper level low pressure system that helped to trigger shower and thunderstorm development across the Central Plains Friday night produced widespread heavy rain across the region Saturday and Sunday.  This caused extensive river flooding across northeastern Kansas, and ponding of water over roadways and low lying areas across the region.  Numerous reports of flooded roadways and homes were received.

 

Kansas River from Sardou Bridge in Topeka morning of May 7.

 

 

Flooding east of Oakland Expressway to south of Kansas River, morning of May 7.

 

 

 
The Kansas River at Lawrence, Monday afternoon, May 7.

 

 

 

Cooperative Observers, Automated Surface Observation Stations, and Storm Spotters all reported rainfall amounts during the period to the National Weather Service at Topeka.  Several Cooperative Observers also record and report river levels for local creeks and streams. 

 

The National Weather Service Flood Safety Page can be found HERE.