PARKVILLE, Mo. — Parkville police are paying close attention to the National Weather Service flood prediction data to see how high flood waters are expected to rise.
"It went to 35 (feet Friday) evening, then it went up to 35.3 last night about 9:30 (p.m.)," Capt. Jon Jordan said. "And they've been calling us ahead of time to let us know."
The police department doubles as emergency management for the city, where English Landing Park and Platte Landing Park have been shut down for days with water overtaking much of both parks.
"We've shared all this information with the business owners and the main contacts down here, so they're all watching the gauge, too," Jordan said.
The Missouri River is expected to crest at roughly 35 feet Saturday afternoon, but flood waters aren't expected to affect businesses north of the train tracks. Businesses on the south side, however, have had to do a little more preparation.
Tom Hutsler, owner of the English Landing Center, spent the morning putting up signs and creating a new pathway into the center, which includes the Olde Mill Emporium, event spaces, and antique shops.
"We've built a new road right here," Hutsler said. "Our main entrance is under water, but we have this nice, new road that people can come and go all day long."
The English Landing Center has three weddings booked this weekend and they are not canceling.
"We told all the merchants they can be open," Hutsler said. "We're trying to make it convenient for customers."
Currently, flooding in the Kansas City area is considered moderate, similar to 2011 and 2016 when the river crest hit 32 feet. A "major flooding" event occurs at around 48 feet.
Jordan said he had to wade through knee-deep water to get his police car out from the parking lot at English Landing Park. The water since has passed the train tracks and affected businesses.
"It does not compare to 1993," Jordan said. "We're talking at least 14 to 15 feet more water."
