Spring Storm Ahead

A large scale storm system will move across the region bringing the potential for rain, snow, freezing rain and strong winds.

The greatest impact for snow and freezing rain will be along and west of the James River. Freezing rain will arrive late tonight into Wednesday morning, while snow is expected to arrive by Wednesday night. Confidence in timing and accumulating snow/ice is increasing; however, there is still uncertainties in location of the heaviest snow/ice. Strong north winds of 40 to 60+mph are expected Wednesday night into late Thursday. The combination of snow and strong winds will create dangerous if not impossible travel conditions. Be prepared if you have travel plans Wednesday and Thursday and continue to monitor the latest forecasts.

Lyon IA-Osceola-Dickinson-Sioux-O`Brien-Clay IA-Plymouth-Cherokee-
Buena Vista-Woodbury-Ida-Nobles-Jackson-Rock-Dixon-Dakota-
Minnehaha-Charles Mix-Douglas-Hutchinson-Turner-Lincoln SD-
Bon Homme-Yankton-Clay SD-Union-
1025 AM CDT Tue Mar 12 2019

…FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH
THURSDAY EVENING…

The Flood Watch continues for

* Portions of Iowa, southwest Minnesota, northeast Nebraska, and
South Dakota, including the following areas, in Iowa, Buena
Vista, Cherokee, Clay IA, Dickinson, Ida, Lyon IA, O`Brien,
Osceola, Plymouth, Sioux, and Woodbury. In southwest
Minnesota, Jackson, Nobles, and Rock. In northeast Nebraska,
Dakota and Dixon. In South Dakota, Bon Homme, Charles Mix,
Clay SD, Douglas, Hutchinson, Lincoln SD, Minnehaha, Turner,
Union, and Yankton.

* From Wednesday morning through Thursday evening

* A large storm system will bring warmer air northward, along with
the potential for moderate to locally heavy rainfall Wednesday,
Wednesday night and into Thursday. This combination of
conditions will result in an increased risk of river flooding,
as well as overland flooding due the the combination of heavy
rain, snowmelt, and poor drainage due to frozen soils.

* Significant river and stream level increases are possible due
to runoff with additional potential for localized ice jams.
Additionally, flooding of city streets, intersections, and
parking lots will be possible. Those along rivers are urged to
monitor their forecast and take necessary precautions. Residents
are also urged to clear storm drains and make sure downspouts
are clear to drain.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on
current forecasts.

You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible
Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be
prepared to take action should flooding develop.

Widespread moderate to heavy rainfall is expected late tonight into Wednesday night. Rainfall in excess of 1 inch is likely across most of the region. Heavy rain and snowmelt will lead to widespread street flooding and ponding of water in urban areas and intersections, rises in rivers, streams and creeks. Take preparedness actions now by uncovering storm drains, checking sump pumps, and clearing snow from around home foundations.

We have more rain in the forecast on Wednesday and Thursday, now’s the time to prepare for flooding! For perspective, this weekend we had under an inch of rain which led to widespread urban flooding for many areas, and the current forecast is calling for more than 1.5 inches of rain to fall between Wednesday and Thursday across the tri-state area. Additionally, the warmer temperatures and rainfall will be able to melt some of our current snowpack, adding even more liquid water to our streets and rivers. For the latest flood forecast information, please visit: https://water.weather.gov

Iowa DOT Road Conditions: CLICK HERE

For Iowa DOT Plow Map: CLICK HERE

Minnesota DOT Road Conditions: CLICK HERE

South Dakota DOT Road Conditions: CLICK HERE

Nebraska DOT Road Conditions: CLICK HERE

North Dakota DOT Road Conditions: CLICK HERE

Missouri DOT Road Conditions: CLICK HERE

Illinois DOT Road Conditions: CLICK HERE