Natural disaster survey report ; 77-2

"Two record-setting rainstorms on Monday, September 12, 1977, inundated the Kansas City Metropolitan area with more than 16 inches (406 mm) of rain. The first rainstorm of very early Monday morning thoroughly soaked the local drainage basins and set the stage for the second devastating rainstorm Monday evening. The resulting flash flood killed 25 people, all residents of the greater metropolitan area, and caused property losses estimated at $90 million in both the private and public sectors. This report-by the disaster survey team appointed by the Director of the NWS Central Region headquarters-describes the flash flood; the meteorological conditions that caused it; the data acquisition systems; the watches, warnings, and statements issued prior to the disastrous second burst of rainfall; and the reaction of local officials and the public"--Executive summary.

Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR)
National Weather Service (NWS)