Weather forecasters expect the Missouri River to begin flooding later this week while floodwaters along the Platte River have forced some road closures.

The National Weather Service in Kansas City has issued a flood warning for the Missouri River; both sides of the state line. NWS forecasters warn the Missouri River will flood at St. Joseph, affecting Doniphan County in Kansas as well as  Andrew and Buchanan Counties in Missouri. The Missouri is also expected to flood at Atchison, affecting Atchison County in Kansas and Buchanan and Platte Counties in Missouri. Missouri River flooding is also forecast at Leavenworth, affecting Leavenworth County, Kansas and Platte County, Missouri.

The flood warning issued by the National Weather Service runs from Wednesday evening through Thursday, March 21st. NWS estimates the Missouri could rise to nearly 24.6 feet by early next week. Lowland flooding around the St. Joseph area occurs at 17 feet. Backwater from Missouri River flooding will overflow property along the Nodaway River at Nodaway. Riverfront Park in St. Joseph begins to flood at 21 feet.

Flooding along the Platte River has already closed several roads in Buchanan County. Emergency Management Director Bill Brinton reports the following roads have been closed due to high water:

SE Mitchell
SE Saxton Easton
68th SE
80th SE
Rock Creek SE
SE Kemmer
112th SE
SE 115
SE Horn
SE Chestnut
NE 135
NE 139
SE123rd

Motorists are warned not to drive through flowing water. NWS reports as little as six inches of water could cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Two feet of water is sufficient to carry most vehicles away.