Due to the recent surge in runoff following the storms which saturated the area over the weekend, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District has opened its Emergency Management Center. The district center is tracking levels of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers throughout Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska in light of recent heavy rains.
Kneuvean said currently the focus seems to be from Kansas City north to Rulo, Neb. Flood stages are anticipated below Kansas City and move towards St. Louis into next week.
Different with respect to the 1993 flood, this flooding is a result of a very sudden burst of water in a short period of time. In 1993, the flood was a result of a large volume of water which filled up over several months. The National Weather Service predicts water levels will return to normal later this week.
Damages to the levees during the '93 flood have been repaired and are in good condition. They are expected to operate as designed, and they will be monitored closely in conjunction with the levee districts and the cities.
The Corps will continue to update the affected regions on the response as information comes in. The EOC will be operating 24 hours until the determination has been made that it is no longer necessary.