Douglas County, KS- Emergency Management

10/14/2026

NWS has upgraded the special weather statement to a Severe Thunderstorm Warning due to high winds. Be aware of heavy rains, flooding, downed power lines, and tree limbs. EM7 10/13/2026 20:46

10/14/2026

NWS Topeka has issued a Special Weather Statement for strong thunderstorms that will impact Franklin and Douglas Counties A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT WESTERN FRANKLIN...SOUTHWESTERN DOUGLAS...SOUTHERN OSAGE AND NORTHEASTERN COFFEY COUNTIES THROUGH 900 PM CDT
There may be strong winds and heavy rain in addition to lightning. Watch for flooding! Turn around don't drown. EM7 10/13/2026 20:26

10/14/2026

The strongest storms have passed. Additional storms to our southwest are moving towards Douglas County, heavy rain is the primary hazard with some gusty winds still possible. The severe weather risk will continue to diminish overnight, but multiple rounds of rain may cause flooding. Turn around, don't drown! EM2 10/13/2026 1941

10/13/2026

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for northwest Douglas County, including Lecompton, Big Springs, Stull, and Clinton. Hazards include 60mph wind and quarter sized hail. EM2 10/13/2026 1722

10/13/2026

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for Douglas County until 11pm. Damaging wind gusts and very large hail are the primary hazard, a couple tornadoes in the region are possible. Have more than one way to receive warnings and stay alert. EM2 10/13/2026 1606

10/13/2026

Severe storms are still expected this evening. Douglas County could see a first round between 5-8pm and a second round between 8pm-12am. 60-70mph wind, 1-2 inch hail, and flooding are the main hazards, with a low tornado risk. A Flood Watch is in effect from 5pm today through 10am tomorrow. EM2 10/13/2026 1023

Remain weather aware today as severe storms are possible this afternoon and evening. Large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall are possible with storms. The severe risk diminishes and the flooding risk increases later this evening and overnight.

10/12/2026

After a warm and breezy day today, we are looking at the potential for severe weather tomorrow late afternoon through overnight. Damaging winds (60-70mph), large hail (1-1.5 inches) and heavy rains (1-2 inches per hour) leading to flooding are all possible. Keep an eye on the forecast for updates. EM2 10/12/26 0958

Hot conditions are expected again today with highs again around 90 degrees. A cold front moves in on Tuesday bringing chances for storms, some of which could be severe during the afternoon & evening. Rounds of showers & storms continue through Thursday, turning drier and more Fall-like on Friday!

10/05/2026

We will be testing the outdoor warning sirens today at noon. For monthly tests, the sirens are sounded for one minute. During a tornado warning, the sirens will sound for 3 minutes, then stop for 2 minutes, and the cycle will repeat as long as the warning is in effect.

Douglas County, Kansas Government

10/02/2026

The Kansas River in Lecompton and Lawrence is currently in Action Stage, and is expected to crest just below Minor Flood stage by the end of the day. 1-2.5 inches of rain has fallen over Douglas County in the last 24 hours. Combined with flooding upstream on the Kansas River, river levels will remain high well after the rain has ceased. Good news, no rain is expected for the next 7 days! EM2 10/02/2026 1052

10/01/2026

The US National Weather Service Topeka Kansas has extended the flood watch to include Douglas County until 4am tomorrow (10/2). Between 0.5-1 inch of rain has fallen across the county so far, and another 1-1.5 inches is expected through tomorrow morning. Be aware of water on roadways, and do not drive into floodwaters. EM2 10/1/2026 0930

Wet weather continues today, especially this afternoon and evening. Additional rainfall could lead to more flooding and a Flood Watch remains in effect for areas along and north of I-70. Rain finally moves out tonight leaving us with sunshine and cooler weather through the weekend.