Flash Flood Emergency Grips Wichita and Surrounding Areas as Vehicles Stall and Roads Disappear Under Rising Waters
WICHITA, KS (June 3, 2025) — A life-threatening flash flood emergency has been declared across parts of south-central Kansas, including Wichita, El Dorado, Valley Center, Park City, and Goddard, as relentless storms drop massive amounts of rainfall in a short span, paralyzing roadways and endangering lives. Authorities are responding to dozens of emergencies as vehicles stall in deep floodwaters and entire neighborhoods face the threat of evacuation.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued multiple Flash Flood Warnings earlier today, with the most urgent alerts targeting urban and low-lying areas of Sedgwick, Butler, and Harvey Counties. The declaration of a Flash Flood Emergency—the highest level of alert issued by the NWS—underscores the seriousness of the situation. This designation is reserved for events where catastrophic flooding is either occurring or imminent, posing an immediate danger to life and property.
City Under Siege: Floodwaters Inundate Streets and Intersections
Reports began flooding in around 1:45 p.m., as heavy rain intensified over Wichita and surrounding communities. By 2:30 p.m., emergency dispatchers had received over 60 calls related to stranded drivers, submerged intersections, and rapidly rising water levels in residential neighborhoods.
Within hours, major arteries such as Kellogg Avenue (U.S. 54/400) and sections of I-135 were experiencing severe backups. In east Wichita, parts of 21st Street and Rock Road were reported impassable. Vehicles were seen half-submerged, with drivers abandoning their cars and wading to safety in waist-deep water.
In Valley Center, local emergency services were overwhelmed as multiple roads vanished beneath floodwaters, rendering road markings and safety barriers invisible. First responders used rescue boats and high-clearance vehicles to extract trapped motorists and residents from inundated areas.
El Dorado Faces Emergency Evacuations
In El Dorado, located northeast of Wichita, mandatory evacuations were ordered in several neighborhoods adjacent to the Walnut River, which swelled beyond its banks after receiving over 4 inches of rainfall in less than two hours. Officials warned that additional water runoff from upstream areas could cause levels to rise even further overnight.
El Dorado city officials opened temporary shelters at Butler Community College and local churches, offering displaced residents food, water, and emergency medical care. As of press time, no fatalities have been confirmed, but several minor injuries due to slip-and-fall incidents and car accidents have been reported.
National Weather Service: More Rain on the Way
Although a brief pause in rainfall was recorded around 3:00 p.m., meteorologists stress that this is only a temporary lull, not the end of the threat. A secondary line of thunderstorms, currently tracking eastward across central Kansas, is expected to reach the Wichita area by 5:30 p.m., with forecasters warning of another 2 to 3 inches of rainfall possible by nightfall.
NWS meteorologist Derrick Thomas said, “We’re watching a very dynamic weather system. It’s moving slowly and producing high rainfall rates—up to 2 inches per hour in some locations. With the ground already saturated, any additional rain is going to immediately translate into runoff and flooding.”
Roads Collapsing, Infrastructure at Risk
Authorities say the situation is particularly dangerous because floodwaters are obscuring the true condition of roads. In many places, pavement may be eroded or completely washed away beneath the water’s surface. Without visibility of road markings or curbs, drivers are taking enormous risks by attempting to drive through flooded zones.
Public Works crews are already assessing damage in affected cities. In Park City, a section of 61st Street North collapsed after floodwaters eroded the supporting soil underneath. Nearby, a small bridge near the Chisholm Creek trail system was overtaken and may be structurally compromised.
Wichita Public Works Director Megan Lawler emphasized, “The damage from these floods isn’t just temporary. We may be looking at weeks of repairs and assessments before some roads can be safely reopened.”
Emergency Services on Full Alert
Across the region, emergency management teams, firefighters, and police units have been placed on 24-hour alert. The Sedgwick County Emergency Operations Center has been fully activated, coordinating responses across multiple jurisdictions.
Authorities are urging residents to avoid all unnecessary travel. The common flood safety slogan—“Turn Around, Don’t Drown”—is being repeated across media, social platforms, and even digital highway signs.
Wichita Police Chief Raúl Martinez reinforced this message in a press conference: “Do not take chances. If you see water over a road, do not try to cross. It only takes six inches of moving water to sweep a person off their feet and twelve inches to carry away most cars.”
Residents Tell Their Stories
For many, the flood arrived faster than expected. Sarah Thompson, a teacher in east Wichita, shared how she was trapped in her car on her way home from school. “The road looked okay, maybe a little wet, but within seconds my tires lost traction. Water was up to my door, and I couldn’t open it. I had to climb out through the window.”
In Goddard, a group of neighbors formed a human chain to rescue an elderly woman trapped in her SUV, which had stalled near a flooded culvert. Local resident Mark Nguyen said, “We didn’t even think—just acted. She was scared, shaking. I’m just glad she’s safe.”
Utilities and Schools Impacted
Several school districts, including Wichita USD 259 and El Dorado USD 490, have issued early dismissals and canceled after-school programs. Power outages have also been reported in scattered areas due to downed lines and electrical shorts caused by flooding.
Evergy, the regional power provider, reported more than 7,000 customers without power as of 4:30 p.m., with restoration efforts complicated by hazardous conditions and ongoing rainfall.
Shelters and Resources for Affected Residents
City officials and nonprofit organizations have mobilized to provide shelter and emergency assistance. The Red Cross of Kansas and Oklahoma has opened multiple shelters, including at:
- Century II Convention Center, Wichita
- First Baptist Church, El Dorado
- Valley Center High School Gymnasium
Residents in need of food, water, medical supplies, or temporary lodging are urged to head to the nearest facility. Trained volunteers and emergency personnel are onsite to assist with intake, crisis counseling, and medical needs.
What You Can Do: Safety and Preparedness Tips
Authorities urge all residents in flood-prone areas to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary. Here are key recommendations:
- Avoid flooded roads—even if they appear shallow.
- Do not walk or drive through moving water.
- Move to higher ground immediately if flooding is near.
- Stay tuned to local news, NOAA Weather Radio, or emergency alerts.
- Prepare a “Go Bag” with essentials in case of sudden evacuation.
A Community on Edge, Awaiting the Next Wave
As dusk approaches, south-central Kansas remains under siege from the elements. Residents, first responders, and officials alike are bracing for what the next few hours may bring. With saturated ground, compromised infrastructure, and exhausted emergency resources, any further rainfall could exacerbate an already dire situation.
This is not the first time Wichita has faced severe flooding, but many say this is among the worst in recent memory. As the community waits for clearer skies, it also waits for reassurance—that homes, families, and livelihoods can be protected from the rising waters.
Ongoing Coverage
This situation is fluid and developing. Residents are advised to continue monitoring:
- National Weather Service alerts
- Local government announcements
- Emergency broadcast channels
- Social media accounts of local police, fire, and weather agencies
For life-threatening emergencies, dial 911. For shelter assistance, contact 2-1-1.
Stay safe. Stay informed. And if you don’t have to be on the road—don’t be.
