MERRIAM, Kan. —

As storms drenched parts of Johnson County and sent water rushing over streets and trails Tuesday, one Merriam restaurant found itself flooded in a different way: with customers eager to get out once the skies cleared.

El Pulgarcito, a small El Salvadoran eatery near Johnson and Merriam drives, drew in dozens of diners after the storm passed. Advertisement

Known for its handmade pupusas, the restaurant was quickly bustling again just hours after Indian Creek near Black Bob and 127th swelled beyond its banks, flooding nearby areas and closing trails.

“We didn’t know it was going to be this busy,” said Leslie Barajas, an employee at the restaurant. “But it’s good. We’re always waiting for people every day.”

Barajas said she saw the storm forming as she headed into work.

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