Flood Warning Issued for Blackwell Area as Chikaskia River Expected to Crest

June 18, 2025

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for the Chikaskia River near Blackwell, effective from the afternoon of Wednesday, June 18, through early Friday morning, June 20.

According to the latest forecast, major flooding is expected, and city officials are urging residents to exercise extreme caution and stay alert to changing conditions.

As of 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, the Chikaskia River was measured at 24.9 feet and rising. The river is expected to crest just after midnight tonight at 32.0 feet, well above the official flood stage of 28.0 feet.

At that level, several city blocks in northeast Blackwell are projected to be impacted, with floodwaters reaching up to three feet deep in the streets in some residential areas.

Key impacts include:

Highway 177 north of Blackwell is closed.

Hubbard Road southeast of the city is impassable.

Blackwell Avenue has been overtopped.

Rural land in northeastern Grant and Kay Counties is also expected to flood, with water depths of up to four feet in some areas.

Local emergency management teams are monitoring the situation closely and are prepared to respond as needed.

Residents are strongly advised to avoid flooded areas, never attempt to walk or drive through water-covered roads, and to follow the National Weather Service’s well-known warning: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”

Updates will continue to be shared by the City of Blackwell and emergency management officials as conditions develop.