Month: August 2017

Nice weather Friday may change to flooding on Saturday night

Saturday rainfall potential (National Weather Service graphic)

Pleasant conditions Friday will quickly transition to a potentially heavy rainfall beginning Saturday evening into Sunday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Thunderstorms are possible as early as Saturday morning, though the main period of concern is during the evening and overnight hours Saturday, the weather service. Two to three inches, with locally higher amounts, are possible during this time.
A flash flood watch has been issued from 4 p.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday, the weather service said.

A prolonged period of moderate to heavy rain is possible across the Kansas City metropolitan area and surrounding areas, particularly overnight Saturday, according to the weather service.

There is some uncertainty with regard to the precise area of concern, so heavier rainfall totals may be shifted during subsequent forecasts, according to the weather service.

Areas near the Kansas City metro and points south remain the most vulnerable, considering the urban environment, in addition to recent enhanced rainfall totals, according to the weather service.

Today, expect sunny weather with a high near 79 and a north wind around 6 mph, the weather service said.

Tonight, there is a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 a.m., according to the weather service. The low will be around 62 with a south wind of 3 to 5 mph.

Saturday, there will be a 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers are likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 7 a.m., the weather service said. The high will be near 74 with a southeast wind of 6 to 9. New rainfall amounts will be between three-quarters of an inch to 1 inch.

Saturday night, there is an 80 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. The low will be around 66 with an east southeast wind of 8 mph. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain are possible.

Sunday, there is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 p.m., the weather service said. The high will be near 77 with an east northeast wind of 5 to 7 mph. Between a tenth and quarter-inch of rain is possible.

Sunday night, there will be a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, according to the weather service. The low will be around 64.

Monday, it will be partly sunny with a high near 79, the weather service said.

National Weather Service graphic

Police investigate fatal shooting at 63rd and Parallel

Kansas City, Kansas, police are investigating a fatal shooting in the parking lot area of a Family Dollar store at 63rd and Parallel Parkway.

Police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred at 2:53 p.m. Aug. 3 at 63rd and Parallel Parkway.

Officers found a man in his 30s with multiple gunshot wounds to his abdomen and legs, a police spokesman stated.

The victim was taken to a hospital where he later died from his injuries, according to the spokesman. The case is being investigated as a homicide.

No one was in custody as of Thursday evening, according to police. The suspect is a male who was seen in a white sedan.

The identity of the victim will not be released pending positive identification and family notification, police stated.

This incident remains under investigation by the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division, which is encouraging anyone with information to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).

New program allows BPU customers to pre-pay services and monitor usage

FlexPay is a new program offered by the Board of Public Utilities allowing customers to monitor their electricity and water on an “as-needed” basis, with services purchased on a pre-paid basis.

There are no deposits and no late fees, according to a BPU spokesman. The FlexPay program allows customers to be aware of their energy and water usage. The customer can then make efforts to conserve their services, which equals saving money.

Studies have shown that persons enrolled in this type of program tend to save up to 15 percent on their energy usage, the BPU spokesman stated. Customers who are unable or unwilling to pay the required deposit to establish service will enjoy immediate benefits due to such deposits not being required.

FlexPay accounts do not receive paper statements or bills, as this information will not be relevant to their FlexPay account, according to the BPU spokesman. Daily account history (usage, charges and payments) will be available via the internet at www.myusage.com or by calling the automated system at 855-837-6742.

Accounts will be reconciled monthly to the BPU’s billing system and any adjustments (positive or negative) will be made at that time.

Customers can view their account balance, daily usage, payment history and more by visiting www.myusage.com. MyUsage.com displays the prior day’s usage and allows a person to monitor their energy and water consumption 24/7.

There is also a MyUsage app for smart phones. Alerts can also be set up to inform customers of their account status, and the website allows them to modify their notification settings.

Existing BPU customers can stop by BPU’s customer service lobby or call 913-573-9190 to enroll in this program.

Payments can be made in the lobby or at one of 32 kiosks throughout metro Kansas City, including a kiosk open 24 hours, seven days a week at BPU’s main office at 540 Minnesota Ave, Kansas City, Kansas. Payments made at a kiosk will incur a fee to make the payment.

The new FlexPay program gives BPU customers control of the energy and water they use while providing them the tools they need to keep costs low and save them money. For additional information on the BPU FlexPay program, go to www.bpu.com.

– Story from BPU