The rainy weather over the weekend has many Iowans worried about a repeat of 2008. National Weather Service Meteorologist Craig Cogill says most of the flooding concerns are in southeast Iowa, which could receive more heavy rain today through tomorrow.
"Generally, southeast of a line from Lamoni to Cedar Rapids is looking at one to two-and-a-half inches overnight," Cogill said. The southeast third of the state is under a Flash Flood Watch after receiving 1.5 to 3 inches of rain Saturday and Sunday. Cogill says the ground is saturated and several rivers in the area have spilled out of their banks.
Most of the flooding is in farm fields and aside from water leaking into basements, there’s no serious threat to homes and businesses. Heavy rain on Sunday did force the closure of four highways in eastern Iowa; Highway 16 near Fairfield, Highway 92 near Oskaloosa, Highway 6 near West Liberty and Highway 130 between Tipton and Davenport.
Cogill says today’s rain storm will be followed by some strong winds. He expects west to northwest winds of 30 to 35 miles per hour with gusts up to 50 miles per hour Tuesday afternoon and evening. Much colder air will arrive on Wednesday, with highs only reaching the teens and 20s.