Residents across southeast Iowa should prepare for another active day of weather, with multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms expected through this evening.
Rain has already begun falling across the KILJ listening area. As of early this morning, Mount Pleasant has picked up about a half inch of rain. Fairfield has received around a quarter inch, while New London has measured about an inch. To the south, Lee County has seen roughly a half inch of rainfall, and areas near Swedesburg have picked up nearly four-tenths of an inch.
The National Weather Service says the forecast remains on track for additional rounds of heavy rain that could lead to flash flooding, especially in areas that have already received significant rainfall. A Flood Watch is now in effect for areas along and south of Highway 92 through 7 p.m. tonight.
Forecasters say an additional 1 to 3 inches of rain is possible in the watch area, with isolated locations seeing as much as 4 inches. The heaviest rain is expected in two rounds, with one moving through this morning into the early afternoon, followed by another round late this afternoon into the early evening.
The greatest concern is localized flash flooding in low-lying areas, flooded roadways, fields, basements and along small creeks and streams. Drivers are reminded never to drive through flooded roadways.
There is also a Level 1 out of 5 risk for isolated severe storms this afternoon and early evening. If severe storms develop, the primary threat will be damaging wind gusts, with small hail and an isolated tornado also possible. However, forecasters note that if morning showers linger longer than expected, the severe weather threat could be reduced.
The National Weather Service urges everyone to stay weather-aware today, have multiple ways to receive warnings, and be prepared to move indoors if thunderstorms approach, especially if you have outdoor plans this afternoon or evening.