May 24, 2020

Flash flood watches issued for counties in our area

Posted May 24, 2020 1:08 PM

Flash flood watches have been issued for a large part of the state.

A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Remember to turn around, don`t drown. You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a flash flood watch in effect from Sunday afternoon to Monday evening for the following counties in our area.

Ellsworth County

Lincoln County

Marion County

McPherson County

Saline County

Multiple rounds of thunderstorms with heavy rain are expected to move through the warned area this afternoon and into Monday, NWS noted.

Low lying areas, low water crossings and other areas that typically flood are expected to have flood issues during this time frame. Additionally, heavy rain in areas that received significant rain this past week are unlikely to be able to handle the additional heavy rainfall. These areas are likely to create rapidly rising water producing the potential fast moving runoff causing potentially deadly conditions in unexpected areas.

NWS in Topeka has issued a flash flood watch in effect Sunday afternoon through Monday evening for the following counties in our area.

Clay County

Cloud County

Dickinson County

Ottawa County

Republic County

Several rounds of thunderstorms, slow moving at times, will bring locally heavy rainfall from Sunday afternoon through Monday evening. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches with locally higher amounts are possible, NWS noted.

Rapid rises of rivers, streams, and low water crossings could occur. Urbanized and poor drainage areas could be particularly impacted by floodwaters. Roadways could become flooded.

NWS in Hastings, Neb., has issued a flash flood watch effective from Sunday afternoon through Monday evening for the following counties in our area.

Jewell County

Mitchell County

"Antecedent conditions of widespread 2 to 5 inches of rainfall across portions of south central Nebraska and expected additional rounds of heavy rainfall tonight into Monday could lead to flash flooding," NWS reported.

Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are possible, with locally higher amounts possible.