From Lincoln to Omaha, Heavy Rain Turns Roads and Creeks Into a Flood Concern

LINCOLN, NEB. — Heavy rain could trigger flash flooding across parts of the Plains, Corn Belt and Midwest on Wednesday, Sept. 30. The Weather Prediction Center issued a Moderate Risk, its third-highest level, for several areas. The largest risk zone runs from Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska, into Des Moines, Iowa. Other Moderate Risk areas are near Pueblo, Colorado, and across west-central Texas near Abilene.

Forecasters state that the most heavy rain could continue to fall over the same areas for four to eight hours, which will increase the risk of rapid flooding.

The area of concern extends from the Rockies eastwards as far as Chicago and includes places such as Denver, Kansas City, Wichita, Oklahoma City, Dallas and Madison, Wisconsin, which are classified as being at a Slight or Marginal Risk. In this wider area, the Moderate Risk regions are those in which forecasters anticipate that numerous flash floods could occur.

The biggest Moderate Risk area includes southeast Nebraska and the southwest and central parts of Iowa, comprising Lincoln, Omaha, Council Bluffs and Des Moines; Nebraska City, Red Oak, Creston and Atlantic are also in this area.

Heavy rain for several hours could cause the storm drains to be overwhelmed and lead to a rapid rise in creeks and small rivers. Flooding might occur in urban areas, on low-lying roads and over farmland.

For farmers in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri—where harvesting is currently going on—the timing is不利. Several inches of rain might cause flooding of the fields, damage the gravel roads and prevent harvesting machinery from getting into the fields. Additionally, the saturated soil could make it difficult to move heavy machinery once the rain has stopped.

There is also a Moderate Risk area located near Pueblo in southeastern Colorado. Due to heavy rainfall in the foothills of the Front Range, the steep terrain and the burn scars, runoff may enter nearby towns such as Cañon City, Walsenburg and Trinidad. Denver lies within the larger Slight Risk area, where isolated cases of flash flooding are possible.

A Moderate Risk area also covers west-central Texas, around Abilene and Odessa, passing through the Concho Valley and going as far as the Rio Grande. Severe storms are also possible, and the potential threats include damaging winds, large hail and short-lived tornadoes.

The heavy rain together with the severe weather may make travel in the evening dangerous in the areas of Abilene, San Angelo, Midland and those nearby.

A low-pressure area situated over Kansas is pulling in moisture from two directions—moisture linked to the remnants of Hurricane Polo and another supply coming from the Gulf. This storm system may cause heavy rain to continue falling in those areas for several hours.

Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka, Oklahoma City and Dallas fall within the Slight Risk area, where isolated cases of flash flooding may occur. Flooding is also possible along the corridor of Interstate 35 as it heads towards Austin and San Antonio.

To the east, the risk covers northern Missouri and Illinois extending as far as Chicago. Later that day, heavy rain might cause streets to flood and lead to a slower commute.

Don’t drive through floodwater since even a depth of twelve inches of flowing water is enough to carry away the majority of vehicles. Turn around and don’t drown.

Be on the lookout for Flash Flood Warnings, even during the night, and if water starts to rise near your house then move to higher ground. When there is heavy rain, avoid the creeks, ditches and low-water crossings.