Massive flooding Wednesday across south-central Kansas led to multiple road closings that forced semi and commuter traffic into Cowley County, which itself was soaked by dangerous levels of water that led to at least three rescues, a sandbag operation to save a business, and warnings from emergency personnel to stay away from flooded areas.
Copious amounts of water fell in a short period Tuesday night into Wednesday, causing flash floods and long-term flooding throughout Cowley County. A significant number of highways and roads were closed early Wednesday morning, including the I-35 Kansas Turnpike, south of Wellington, where Slate Creek spilled across the road.
Traffic was diverted off of I-35 in Oklahoma, through southern Arkansas City, and traffic was routed west onto US 160 to the turnpike after US 77 was closed Wednesday afternoon, north of Winfield as water covered the highway.
Interim Winfield Police Chief Robbie DeLong said that traffic is still the main challenge in the city with I-35 closed from the Oklahoma border to Peck.
“Winfield is part of the main detour right now,” DeLong said.
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