EL DORADO ? A powerful wave of thunderstorms early Thursday dumped more than 9 inches of rain here, pushing Walnut River levels to the limit, flooding streets and forcing evacuations.

No injuries or deaths were immediately linked to the storms, which began Wednesday evening and continued throughout the night, but they caused problems around the region.

East of here in Chanute, a roughly 30-foot break in the Neosho River levee appeared Thursday afternoon, according to Max Gough, Neosho County’s chief of emergency management.

Gough said some businesses had been flooded and waters were moving toward residential areas.

The water level was expected to continue rising and Gough said evacuation may be necessary.

On the El Dorado riverfront, the Walnut River Apartments were evacuated and City Manager Gus Collins said at least 100 of the 140 units were flooded. About 20 homes along the west branch of the river and a senior housing complex with about 22 people were also evacuated.