Well over half of an inch of rain fell in the Junction City area over a 45 minute period Monday afternoon causing localized flooding.

Garry Berges, Geary County Emergency Management Director explained that a lot of streets in Junction City had water from curb to curb,”we’ve got some manhole covers that are popped in different places, that’s in Junction City.”

“Along Interstate 70, driving along the roadways it looks like a lot of people have pulled off on the exit ramps and are staying off the highways, which is good because I have seen water just flowing across the highway in different places which could cause cars to hydroplane,” said Burges.

Berges also reported that he has heard reports of two to three inch tree limbs being down south of Junction City along Hwy 77, but no other reports.

The National Weather Service out of Topeka did issue a Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory in effect until 6:30 p.m. for much of the surrounding area including Geary County, Southeastern Riley County, Central Wabaunsee County, Northwestern Morris county and Southwestern Jackson County.

At 3:37 p.m. Doppler Radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms that will cause urban and small stream flooding in the advisory area. Up to two inches of rain had already fallen in some locations.

The advisory includes Interstate 70 between mile markers 292 and 340.

The NWS is advising motorist that most flood deaths occur in automobiles, never drive your vehicle into areas where the water covers the roadway. Flood waters are usually deeper than they appear. Just one foot of water is powerful enough to sweep vehicles off the road. When encountering flooded roads make the smart choice…Turn Around, Don’t Drown.