07 Sep 2018 | 07:06 AM UTC
US: Flash flood watches issued for central US September 7-9 /update 6
Tropical Depression Gordon brings heavy rain to central US; flood watches and warnings issued for Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio river valleys for September 7-9
Event
Tropical Depression Gordon continues to bring heavy rain through the central US as it moves across Arkansas, prompting flood watches and warnings for several states from Friday, September 7, through Sunday, September 9. The US National Weather Service (NWS) issued flash flood watches and some flood warnings for central and eastern Arkansas, Missouri, southeastern Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. Gordon is predicted to interact with a cold front currently moving across the area and combine to bring 7.5-15 cm (3-6 in) of rain across the Midwest, with isolated amounts of up to 25 cm (10 in). The heaviest rain will likely fall on Saturday, September 8. Localized flooding and transportation disruptions are likely. The NWS issued a flood warning for the Missouri River between Chamois and Hermann, as waters are predicted to crest above flood level late Saturday through Wednesday, September 12.
Context
Gordon made landfall as a hurricane near Pascagoula (Mississippi) on September 4. It continued to move inland, weakening but bringing large amounts of rain to the lower Mississippi River valley.
Advice
Individuals present in the affected areas are advised to keep abreast of local weather forecasts, anticipate localized flooding and associated transportation disruptions, plan alternate routes, and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.
