A large area of moderate to heavy rain will continue to stream northward through southeast Missouri...and through all of southern Illinois through 5 am. In these areas hourly rainfall amounts will average a quarter inch...while some locations will receive one half inch or more per hour. The rains will become more showery in nature eastward across west Kentucky and southwest Indiana...where hourly rainfall amounts will range from a trace to one quarter inch. An occasional rumble of thunder cannot be ruled out...especially over southeast Missouri.
Forecast for Ripley
Updated: 3:56 am CST on December 24, 2009
Flood Watch in effect through this evening...
Wind Advisory in effect until 6 am CST Friday...
Today
Occasional showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Locally heavy rainfall possible. Highs in the lower 50s. Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent.
Cloudy. Rain showers in the evening...then a chance of rain and snow after midnight. No snow accumulation. Lows in the upper 20s. Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph in the evening shifting to the southwest with gusts to around 40 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation 90 percent.
Christmas Day
Breezy. Mostly cloudy. A chance of snow showers in the morning...then a chance of flurries in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 30s. Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.
Friday Night
Breezy. Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of light snow. Lows in the mid 20s. Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of light snow. Highs in the mid 30s. Southwest winds 15 to 20 mph.
... Flood Watch remains in effect through this evening...
The Flood Watch continues for
* portions of southern Illinois and southeast Missouri... including the following areas... in southern Illinois... Alexander... Edwards... Franklin... Hamilton... Jackson... Jefferson... Johnson... Perry IL... Pulaski... Saline... Union IL... Wabash... Wayne IL... white and Williamson. In southeast Missouri... Bollinger... Butler... Cape Girardeau... Carter... Mississippi... New Madrid... Perry MO... Ripley... Scott... Stoddard and Wayne MO.
* Through this evening
* heavy rainfall is expected... with totals ranging from 2 to 4 inches. Around one inch had already fallen as of 4 am.
* The heavy rain will likely generate rises in small creeks... streams and ditches. These waterways could come out of their banks... and result in flooding. Heavy rain may result in standing water across area roads that are susceptible to flooding.
Precautionary/preparedness actions...
A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts.
You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.
Wind Advisory
Statement as of 4:21 AM CST on December 24, 2009
... Wind Advisory remains in effect until 6 am CST Friday...
A Wind Advisory remains in effect until 6 am CST Friday.
* A powerful storm system will move northeast into Missouri tonight. Winds will start to pick up this morning. Winds this afternoon and tonight will average 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 45 mph.
* Generally southeast winds will turn to the south early tonight... then southwest late tonight. Though winds will be relatively weak this morning... expect speeds to increase after noon. The strongest winds are expected tonight. The best chance of gusts to 45 mph will be mainly after midnight. Winds will remain brisk through Friday.
* Damage to weak or rotting trees can be expected. Outdoor Christmas displays may be blown about if they are not properly secured. Difficult driving conditions are expected with winds of this magnitude.
Precautionary/preparedness actions...
Wet grounds due to rains may allow smaller or loosely rooted trees to uproot due to the high winds. Unsecured patio or outdoor placements may be prone to damage from tumbling. Travel will be difficult... especially for high profile vehicles. The combination of wet roads and high winds means Holiday motorists should be extra cautious and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.