The National Weather Service office in Wichita (NWSW) has issued both a flood watch and a flood warning that affect the Salina area.

The flood warning along Mulberry Creek is scheduled to be in effect from 6:10 p.m. Tuesday through 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to NWSW. At 8 a.m. Sunday, the creek level was at 3.6 feet, NWSW noted. Flood stage is 24 feet and NWSW is forecasting the level will reach 24.3 feet by Tuesday evening.

According to NWSW, at 24 feet, “agricultural flooding can be expected. Parts of Halstead Road near the river gauge site, which is west of Salina, will begin to take on water.”

Additionally, NWSW warned, “Do not drive into flooded areas or go around barricades. Nearly two feet of water will carry most vehicles away. Turn around, don`t drown.”

NWSW also has issued a flood watch through 7 a.m. Wednesday morning for portions of central Kansas, south central Kansas, and southeast Kansas, including Saline, Barton, Chase, Ellsworth, Lincoln, Marion, McPherson, Rice, Russell, Butler, Cowley, Harper, Harvey, Kingman, Reno, Sedgwick, Sumner, Chautauqua, Elk, and Greenwood counties.

A flood watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in flood prone areas should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

According to NWSW, “rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches will be likely across the area. However, some areas of 5 to 7+ inches of rain will be possible. Highest chances for widespread heavy rain will be Monday morning through Tuesday.”