Rain expected to last through Thursday, flooding possible

A soggy weather system that delivered torrential rains to some spots remains stalled over Eastern Iowa, and residents in low-lying areas should keep an eye on nearby streams.

“Through Thursday evening, we're expecting very persistent periods of rain across the area,” said Andy Ervin, meteorologist at the National Weather Service's Davenport office.

A flash flood warning remains in effect across the region through Thursday night. Widespread flooding isn't expected, but localized downpours are likely to drive creeks from their banks for relatively brief periods, threatening nearby roads and property.

“We're not all expecting all rivers to exceed flood stage, but that flood watch is for everyone in east-central Iowa,” Ervin said.

“River flooding is a possibility, and we'll just have to take it as it comes,” he said. “It just depends on the river basins, and how much rainfall goes into which river.”

Another flood warning remains in effect through Friday morning for the Wapsipinicon River at Dewitt, where a crest several inches above flood stage was predicted for Thursday night. At the 11.3-foot crest forecast late Wednesday that would effect only some county and township roads, but if heavy rains fall in the wrong place the situation could be worse.

A weather service spotter reported street flooding Wednesday afternoon in Brighton in southwestern Washington County, but the sheriff's office reported no serious damage. The spotter reported 2.75 inches of rain fell between 9 a.m. and noon.

Another weather service spotter near Shellsburg reported his rain gauge, which holds five inches, overflowed overnight. Rainfall totals over two inches were reported at several locations across the region.

2 to 5 inches of rain possible in next 36 hours

A tropical atmosphere that will remain over the area through Thursday could bring an additional two to five inches of rain over the next 36 hours.

The National Weather Service made that statement at 9:10 a.m. as well as issuing a flash flood watch through Thursday evening.

Meteorologists say that a stationary front will remain across the area that will allow thunderstorms to redevelop and move over the same areas.

Flash flood warning expires for Linn, Benton and Jones counties

A flash flood warning has expired for areas of Linn, Benton and Jones County after heavy rains moved through the area and raised a concern.

The National Weather Service says repeated showers and thunderstorms dropped one to three inches of rain – with isolated four inches possible – before the storms move through.

Locations in the warning area include: Springville, Walker, Urbana, Troy Mills, Toddville, Shellsburg, Robins, Palo, Coggon, Central City, Monticello, Center Point and Alburnett.

Flooding of small streams and creeks, highways and streets, underpasses and low lying urban and rural areas is likely.

About 650 Alliant Energy customers in Linn County are without power overnight.