Big Creek Near Blairstown Expected to Exceed Flood Stage Friday
Big Creek near Blairstown could crest more than two feet above flood stage by Friday afternoon, the National Weather Service warns.
BLAIRSTOWN, MISSOURI — Big Creek at Blairstown is expected to rise above flood stage by Friday afternoon, according to a hydrologic outlook issued Thursday morning by the National Weather Service office in Kansas City/Pleasant Hill, Missouri.
The NWS released the outlook at 8:26 a.m. CDT on June 25, projecting that the creek will crest at 22.3 feet by 1 p.m. Friday, June 26. Flood stage at that location is 20.0 feet.
Current and Forecast Water Levels
At 8 a.m. Thursday, Big Creek stood at 14.0 feet, still below flood stage. Forecasters project the water level will hold near 13.9 feet by 1 p.m. Thursday before climbing sharply overnight, reaching 20.2 feet by 1 a.m. Friday and peaking at 22.3 feet by 1 p.m. Friday.
The projected crest would place the creek 2.3 feet above flood stage, according to the NWS forecast table.
Forecast Based on Rainfall Estimates
The National Weather Service stated the outlook is based on forecast rainfall for the next 24 hours combined with estimated runoff from earlier rainfall. Officials cautioned that actual crest levels could vary depending on how much rain falls and how quickly it runs off.
“Crests may vary if actual rainfall or runoff is greater or less than anticipated,” the NWS statement read.
Additional Warnings Possible
The NWS noted that further statements, potentially including flood warnings, may be issued as additional information becomes available. Residents near Big Creek in the Blairstown area should monitor updated forecasts from the National Weather Service Kansas City/Pleasant Hill office.
