KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers urges everyone to never drive through flooded roadways. Please turn around, don’t drown.
As you are well aware this spring has been a wet one. Back in March rapid snowmelt and rainfall upstream brought many lakes in the area to higher than normal elevations. With significant flooding on the Missouri River many lakes were unable to release water and lower elevations. Since then, the area have received significant amounts of rainfall and lake elevations continue to rise.
High lake elevation is impacting recreation areas at Corps of Engineers lakes in the Kansas City District. Many campgrounds, boat ramps, and other recreation areas have been closed, gated, or barricaded, but keep in mind that the high water is constantly changing and impacting new areas. If you have plans to visit a lake please double check area conditions.
Only six inches of fast-moving water can knock over a person. It only takes 12 to 18 inches of fast-moving water to carry away most vehicles including large SUVs. If you come to a road that is covered with water turn around, you will likely not know the depth of the water or the condition of the road underneath as roadbeds may be washed out.
Whether driving or walking, any time you come to a flooded road please turn around, don't drown! Never enter standing or moving water to cross a road.
For more information on the Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers please visit https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil or check out the Kansas City District’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/usace.kcd.
The Kansas City District is a team of dedicated professionals with a strong heritage and proven results who, in collaboration with our partners, proudly serve in the Heartland providing leadership, technical excellence, and innovative solutions to the nation's most complex problems.
Release no. 19-010