Atchison County, Kansas — The National Weather Service in Kansas City/Pleasant Hill issued a Flash Flood Warning early Thursday for southeastern Atchison County and northwestern Leavenworth County in northeastern Kansas. The warning runs through 2:15 PM CDT.

What is happening:

Emergency managers reported thunderstorms unloading heavy rain across the warned area Thursday morning. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain had already fallen by 8:22 AM, and the downpours are coming at rates of 2 to 2.5 inches per hour. Another half inch to a full inch of rain is still possible before the storms move on. The weather service says flash flooding is happening now or will start shortly — this is confirmed, observed flooding, not just the chance of it.

Local impacts:

Roads can go under in a hurry. Small creeks and streams can spill their banks, and low spots — especially the low-water crossings and creek-side stretches in rural parts of both counties — can flood with very little warning. Driving into flooded streets is how most flood deaths happen.

What to do:

- If you come to a flooded road, turn around. Do not drive through it — the water is deeper than it looks and can carry a car away.

- Never walk through moving floodwater.

- If you see water rising around you, get to higher ground immediately.

- Stay off the roads in the warned area through the early afternoon if you can.

- If officials tell you to leave, go — and bring your pets and important papers with you.

Source: National Weather Service in Kansas City/Pleasant Hill, October 1, 2026.