Severe Storms Cause Damage in Independence and Flooding Concerns in Ottawa

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (KCTV) – An intense round of storms struck the metro area Tuesday afternoon, causing significant damage, especially in a small neighborhood near Truman Road and 291 Highway.

Residents awoke Wednesday morning to streets covered in tree debris, as chainsaws buzzed throughout the area during the clean-up. Lynn McMillan, a long-time resident, was away when the storm hit, but quickly learned it was no ordinary rain. A large tree branch narrowly missed her home, and she was relieved that her car was not parked in the driveway.

“There was no wind to start with, then all of a sudden a wall of water just poured down, and wiped out all the trees,” McMillan recounted. She expressed her gratitude that no one was hurt and noted that while cleaning up may take time, the community has come together to help one another.

“I feel blessed because it could have been a whole lot worse,” she said. “We’ll take care of it and get it cleaned up, but everybody’s been helpful, taking care of each other, and that’s community. That’s what it’s all about.”

Meanwhile, in OTTAWA, Kan. (KCTV), public works crews continued to monitor the Marais des Cygnes River, which overflowed following the severe storms. As of Wednesday afternoon, city leaders stated that projections forecasted the river would peak at 31 feet. Closure of the floodgates is not anticipated as the critical threshold stands at 33 feet.

In response to safety concerns, barricades were placed at both ends of the walking bridge trail, which will remain closed until deemed safe. Officials advised pedestrians to use the Main Street Bridge instead.

By Wednesday afternoon, crews were observed clearing a significant log jam under the bridge in an effort to maintain water flow and mitigate any downstream issues.

Heavy rain and severe storms that moved through the Kansas City metro area on Tuesday led to flood warnings still in effect for several counties in Kansas, including Atchison, Leavenworth, Franklin, Bates, Linn, and Miami.