Never underestimate the power of...

Water!! Did you know that flash flooding is responsible for more deaths (on average) than lightning or tornadoes? Fast moving water is much more powerful than most people comprehend, and the consequences can be deadly.

Flooding on the Verdigris River

Did you know...
1) Flash flood warnings occur within 6 hours of the main storm event - flood warnings usually cover 12 hours or longer
2) It only takes 12 inches of fast moving water to float most small cars
3) It takes 18 inches of water to float bigger vehicles
4) Many flood deaths occur at night when people try to drive through water covered roads
5) In the past 5 years, all 50 states have reported flood or flash flooding

One of the last big flooding events for Kansas was in the southeast corner of the state back in 2007. The Verdigris River came out of its banks and caused significant damage in Coffeyville. The refinery spilled thousands of gallons of oil into the river. The pictures show how widespread the damage turned out to be. In Independence, the river crested above 52 feet. The flooding was caused by 4 days of continuous rain, sometimes coming down at 2 to 3 inches per hour.