Rain, rain go away: Highways in Kansas impacted by flooding

“Rain, rain go away, come again another day,” may be the tune that Kansans hum to themselves as they look at the weather forecast this week.  Parts of the Sunflower State haven’t seen the sun for what seems like days.

Flood waters cover K-4 in Saline County.

With all that rain comes the added risk of flooded roads and highways, and many have experienced this reality already. Today several highways in Kansas, including I-35 south of Wichita are closed.

Driving across flooded roads can be dangerous and there are many reasons for that. Check out this photo from last year when flooded waters washed parts of U.S. 24 away leaving a giant hole. Driving over that could have resulted in tragedy.

Last year flood waters damaged U.S. 24 in Graham County.

Just six inches of water can cause damage to your vehicle? According to SmartDriving.co.uk, water at this level can be sucked into your exhaust system and cause  serious issues for your vehicle.

Trees branches rest on K-98 in Meade County after powerful rushing waters carried them into the roadway. 

Six inches of water can cause your vehicle to lose traction, and 12 inches of water is enough to turn your vehicle in a boat, which it was never designed to be. Water can damage your engine and leave you with an expensive repair bill, or force you to buy a new vehicle.

The best way to stay safe during flood events is to be prepared. Watch the forecast ahead of time to make sure you won’t be encountering severe weather or torrential rainfall. Of course, flash floods can happen without warning. If you encounter a covered roadway, turn around, don’t drown. Never try to drive through it, it could result in the loss of your vehicle or even your life.

Earlier this year, flood waters caused flooding in northeast Kansas near White Cloud. 

For updated road conditions, check the construction tab on www.kandrive.org and pay attention to the weather forecast! More rain is expected today.