Flood Warning issued for the Big Muddy ….Severe Weather in the forecast for Saturday

Flood Warning for the Big Muddy

…The flood warning continues for the following rivers in Illinois… Big Muddy River near Murphysboro and Plumfield .Rainfall that has already occurred…along with anticipated rain through the weekend…will continue to cause rises along the Big Muddy River. Murphysboro is expected to crest at 23.1 on Tuesday. Plumfield is expected to crest near 20.5 on Saturday.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… SAFETY MESSAGE… Never drive cars…trucks or sport utility vehicles through flooded areas. The water may be too deep to allow safe passage. Never allow children to play in or near flood waters. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or your local media for further statements and possible updated forecasts.

Hazardous Weather Outlook

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight Another round of showers and scattered thunderstorms with moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast tonight, which may lead to the development of minor flooding issues. Please reference the Flood Watch for more information. .

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Friday through Wednesday Periods of moderate to heavy rainfall are forecast through Saturday night. Flooding issues are likely to develop. Please refer to the Flood Watch for details. The Storm Prediction Center currently has the entire region outlooked in a marginal to slight risk for severe thunderstorms Saturday afternoon and evening. Potential thunderstorm impacts will include damaging winds and flooding rains, with a smaller risk for isolated tornadoes.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT… Spotter activation cannot be ruled out Saturday afternoon and evening. In addition, reports of heavy rainfall and flooding would be very helpful.

Areal Flood Watch Still Continues

* Multiple rounds of rain, moderate to heavy at times, will increase the risk for areal flooding through the first half of the weekend.

* The main flooding concern will be along small streams and creeks that feed into already swollen rivers across the region, especially in areas that receive multiple rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall. Elsewhere, elevated water levels in low lying and poor drainage areas may lead to standing water across some roads that typically flood.

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.

Seven Day Forecast