Springfield, IL – The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for several counties across central and southeastern Illinois, with excessive rainfall expected to cause flash flooding through Monday morning. The watch includes regions such as Springfield, Effingham, and Decatur, where strong thunderstorms are forecast to redevelop later this evening. Localized flooding could impact roadways, rivers, and small streams, with some areas facing the risk of rapid flooding from intense downpours.
According to the NWS, heavy rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are possible, especially with stronger thunderstorms, which could lead to street flooding and the inundation of low-water crossings. This persistent rain and the already saturated soil make conditions ripe for flash flooding, with concerns about flooding near rivers and creeks. The Flood Watch remains in effect until Monday morning for areas south of a line from Rushville to Lincoln to Hoopeston.
Specific areas under this watch include Schuyler, Mason, Logan, Piatt, Champaign, Vermilion, and several others, including the cities of Springfield, Decatur, and Mattoon. Localized flooding may also impact agricultural lands and rural areas with poor drainage systems.
In addition to flooding concerns, the Hazardous Weather Outlook notes that some storms could reach severe limits, with the risk of isolated tornadoes and damaging wind gusts. Flooding along the Little Wabash River near Clay City is also ongoing, adding to the overall danger.
Residents in the affected areas should monitor updates throughout the night and be prepared to take immediate action if Flash Flood Warnings are issued.
The wet conditions will give way to another weather threat on Tuesday, as oppressive heat is expected to settle in for the week, with heat indices peaking in the 105°F to 115°F range by midweek.
