The waters of the Platte River rose and fell within the past week and the Missouri River is now on the rise, with a crest expected by the end of the week.
Already, the threat of impending flooding has forced the relocation of Weston City Hall and closures at English and Platte Landing parks. Flooding from the Platte River temporarily closed some flood-prone county roadways and access points.
Weston mayor Cliff Harvey announced on Friday that city hall — located at the bottom of Main Street directly in the path of two creeks that tend to flood when the Missouri River rises — would be moved to the city’s police department, 725 Market Street. City clerk Kim Kirby and her staff made the move early Monday and until the flood waters recede city hall can be reached at 640-2455.
Weston city hall relocated Monday.
In Parkville, work to replace the low water crossing in English Landing Park had to be halted late last week to move construction equipment out of the park. The city closed both English and Platte Landing parks on Monday.
According to the Parkville Police Department, under current projections the river is expected to crest Friday with water rising into the city parking lots at the base of Main Street. The water is not expected to threaten businesses or residences in the area and no sandbagging operations are planned as of press time.
Riverside’s E.H. Young Riverfront Park was already closed for construction, but sections of the Missouri River Trail were already underwater on Monday, forcing closures. In the park, the walkways and amphitheater are underwater.
The Platte County Sheriff’s Office urges people living in low-lying areas to be alert and monitor river levels. If water threatens their property, the sheriff’s office encourages people to relocate while they can because emergency vehicles may not be able to get to them in time.
The National Weather Service’s flood readings are available online at water.weather.gov.
Additionally, the sheriff’s office reminds drivers not to drive across flooded roadways. As little as six inches of moving water can sweep a car off the road.
CODY THORN/Citizen photo
The entry way into Parkville’s English Landing Park has been overtaken with water from the nearby Missouri River. This photo was taken on Tuesday, March 19. The water is expected to crest Friday, according to Wednesday predictions.