Heavy storms lash southcentral and southeast Kansas
Between Monday, June 2 and Tuesday, June 3, 2025, widespread thunderstorms hit southcentral and southeast Kansas, delivering extraordinary rainfall totals that prompted multiple flood warnings across the region. The KSN Storm Track 3 Weather team has collected early data on accumulated rainfall, and the figures reveal just how intense the deluge has been.
Sedgwick County was among the hardest hit, with some areas near Wichita recording nearly 7.3 inches (185 mm) of rainfall over 48 hours. In Butler County, cities like El Dorado and Towanda received between 5.8 and 6.1 inches (147–155 mm). Harvey, Chautauqua, and Marion Counties were also affected, although totals were slightly lower.
2-day rainfall totals (Monday–Tuesday):
In Sedgwick County, 3 NE Valley Center topped the list with 7.29 inches (185.1 mm). Close behind, 3 NNE East Wichita received 6.92 inches (175.8 mm), while 3 S Downtown Wichita recorded 5.33 inches (135.4 mm). Clearwater, Kechi, and areas near McConnell Air Force Base also saw between 3.9 and 5 inches (99–127 mm).
In Butler County, several key points including 3 WSW Benton, 2 NNE El Dorado, and 2 W Towanda measured between 5.8 and 6.7 inches (147–170 mm). Rainfall totals were also significant around 1 NE Elbing and 2 N Andover, exceeding 5 inches (127 mm).
Additional reports showed 4.64 inches (117.9 mm) just south-southeast of Newton in Harvey County, while Sedan in Chautauqua County saw 4.19 inches (106.4 mm). The northern parts of Peabody in Marion County registered 3.95 inches (100.3 mm).
1-day rainfall totals (Monday or Tuesday only):
On a daily scale, Lyon County emerged with the highest single-day totals, with 8 ESE Olpe recording 6.04 inches (153.4 mm). 3 NW Emporia followed with 4.25 inches (108 mm), and 5 SSE Bushong added 3.01 inches (76.5 mm) to the county’s growing total.
Flood threats and local impacts
These torrential downpours overwhelmed local storm drainage systems and swelled creeks and rivers, especially near Wichita, El Dorado, and Emporia. Flash flooding became a major concern, and some rural roadways remained impassable into Wednesday morning. Multiple flood warnings were issued, primarily across Sedgwick, Butler, and Lyon Counties.
While the rain has eased for now, soil saturation and river rise remain hazards as water continues to drain from higher ground. Local emergency services are closely monitoring low-lying zones, especially near tributaries and creeks in Butler and Sedgwick Counties.
