Floods, flash floods a concern as rain continues to fall

With a chance of more rain in the forecast every day this week, flooding and flash flooding remain a concern.

The National Weather Service issued flood warnings, then extended them; then extended them again as rain continued to fall across southwestern Missouri. As of late Monday evening, local flash flood warnings were in effect throughout Vernon County until 11 p.m.; but flood warnings had been extended through Saturday along major area waterway.

On Monday afternoon, the NWS said that "heavy rainfall of one to three inches has caused river levels to rise," and more rain on the way at the time would mean the waters would rise to even higher levels.

Monday's estimate of the flooding to occur this week could change as conditions change.

The Marmaton River, near Nevada, was at 14.9 feet and rising and would flood at some point during the night. Flood stage for the Marmaton is 20 feet, and the Marmaton is expected to continue to rise to about 24.5 feet some time Thursday afternoon, falling to below flood stage Friday afternoon. At 24 feet, a county road near the gauge site becomes impassable.

Minor flooding also is likely for the Osage River near Schell City. This flood warning has been extended until further notice. The river was expected to reach flood stage -- 30 feet -- some time yesterday and is expected to rise to about 32.5 feet by Sunday morning. At that point, all low-lying areas of the Schell Osage Conservation Area would be impacted, and several county roads west of Schell City would be impassable.

The Little Osage River near Horton had already reached flood stage, 41 feet, on Monday afternoon and was rising. The NWS expected the river to continue rising to about 45 feet by Thursday morning, receding to below flood stage on Friday.

Low water crossings in Bourbon County, Kan., and in Vernon County, Mo., including Route V near Stotesbury, were closed Monday afternoon.

Public safety officials warn residents to use caution during floods and flash floods, and never to enter flowing waters or waters of unknown depth.