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 has 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 say the heaviest rain may persist over the same locations for four to eight hours, increasing the danger of rapid flooding.
Flood risk spans the region
The broader area of concern stretches from the Rockies east toward Chicago. It includes locations such as Denver, Kansas City, Wichita, Oklahoma City, Dallas and Madison, Wisconsin, under Slight or Marginal Risk levels. Within that broader zone, the Moderate Risk areas are where forecasters expect numerous flash floods to be possible.
Nebraska and Iowa face the greatest concern
The largest Moderate Risk area covers southeast Nebraska and southwest and central Iowa, including Lincoln, Omaha, Council Bluffs and Des Moines. Nebraska City, Red Oak, Creston and Atlantic are also within the zone.
Hours of heavy rain could overwhelm storm drains and cause creeks and small rivers to rise quickly. Flooding is possible in urban areas, on low-lying roads and across farm fields.
Rain could disrupt harvest
The timing is difficult for farmers in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri, where harvest is underway. Several inches of rain could flood fields, damage gravel roads and keep harvesting equipment out of the fields. Waterlogged soil may also make it hard to move heavy machinery after the rain passes.
Pueblo and southern Colorado at risk
A separate Moderate Risk area is centered near Pueblo in southeastern Colorado. Heavy rain over the Front Range foothills, steep terrain and burn scars could send runoff into nearby communities, including Cañon City, Walsenburg and Trinidad. Denver is in the broader Slight Risk area, where isolated flash flooding is possible.
West-central Texas faces rain and severe storms
Another Moderate Risk zone extends across west-central Texas, near Abilene and Odessa, through the Concho Valley and toward the Rio Grande. Severe storms are also possible, with damaging winds, large hail and brief tornadoes among the threats.
The combination of heavy rain and severe weather could make evening travel hazardous around Abilene, San Angelo, Midland and nearby communities.
What is driving the heavy rain?
A low-pressure system over Kansas is drawing moisture from two directions: moisture associated with the remnants of Hurricane Polo and a separate flow from the Gulf. The storm system could support intense rainfall over the same areas for several hours.
Cities farther east and south
Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka, Oklahoma City and Dallas are in the Slight Risk area, where scattered flash flooding is possible. Flooding is also possible along the Interstate 35 corridor toward Austin and San Antonio.
Farther east, the risk extends across northern Missouri and Illinois toward Chicago. Heavy rain later in the day could flood streets and slow the commute.
Stay safe
Never drive through floodwater. Just 12 inches of moving water can sweep away most vehicles. Turn around, don’t drown.
Watch for Flash Flood Warnings, including overnight, and move to higher ground if water begins rising near your home. Stay away from creeks, ditches and low-water crossings during heavy rain.
