Flooding has shaped Downtown Merriam for generations, with Turkey Creek at the center of both its growth and its challenges. The creek helped attract early development but has also caused floods that damaged homes and businesses, closed roads, stranded drivers, and cost millions of dollars in damage for decades.
Major floods struck in 1977, 1993, 1998, 2017, and most recently in 2025. The 1998 flood was especially devastating. Just 4.4 inches of rain pushed Turkey Creek nearly 8 feet above flood stage, flooding businesses, closing major highways, and prompting nearly 100 water rescues across Johnson County. Eleven people died across the metro area. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), "If the flood peak over I-35 had occurred during rush hour, the loss of life count could have been significant."
What makes flooding so dangerous is how quickly it happens. Turkey Creek can rise from normal conditions to flood stage in less than three hours. As little as 3 to 5 inches of heavy rain can flood Downtown Merriam. The existing creek channel is simply too small to handle runoff from major storms.
Much of downtown remains within a FEMA-designated floodplain, making redevelopment more difficult, increasing insurance costs, and limiting what can be built or improved.
To address the issue, in 2002 the City of Merriam began a partnership with the USACE to study long-term flood protection improvements for Upper Turkey Creek. This summer, at the June 8 City Council meeting, USACE presented its latest design concept, which would protect about 90 acres of developed property and defend against a flood with a 1% chance of occurring in any given year, commonly called a 100-year flood. The concept includes more than a mile of floodwalls, 740 feet of levees, and replacement of the Johnson Drive and Merriam Drive bridges.
A cost estimate is expected by fall 2026. Any decision to move forward would require agreement from both the City and USACE, along with additional Congressional authorization.
The City also hired engineering firm HNTB to explore alternative options that would remove properties from the floodplain.
Both studies are being considered alongside the Downtown Master Plan to guide the future of Downtown Merriam. Flooding has limited investment and redevelopment for decades; addressing it is a critical part of planning what comes next.
No decisions have been made, but for the first time in many years, there is real momentum toward a long-term solution.
History of Flooding in Merriam
Strolling along the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail on a beautiful sunny day, it's hard to imagine how quickly the landscape can change. What may look like a peaceful creek is part of a much larger watershed.
When heavy rain falls, water can rush into the creek with surprising speed. Over the years, those rising waters have transformed familiar streets into scenes that are difficult to believe. These photos offer a glimpse into Merriam's long history with flooding—and a reminder of the powerful force that runs through our community.
1977: About 40 businesses along Turkey Creek between 67th and 51st St. were damaged by the flood, and some completely wiped out. The Johnson Drive bridge had to be rebuilt and didn't open again until 1980.
1993: Floodwaters overtook 183 Merriam properties. Losses topped $10 million—nearly $20 million in today’s dollars—and 33 families lost everything when their homes had to be demolished.
1998: Businesses along Turkey Creek reported $2.3 million in losses. That’s more than $5 million today. Many businesses left Merriam for higher ground.
2025: Overnight, 5.5 inches of rain caused the creek to overflow, flooding nearby businesses and sweeping cars and dumpsters across Merriam Drive.