Lincoln, Illinois – Heavy rain is already soaking eastern and southeast Illinois this afternoon, and another 1 to 2 inches could overwhelm creeks and low-water crossings before daybreak Thursday. Drivers in flood-prone areas should prepare for water-covered roads during the evening and early morning hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, a Flood Watch remains in effect through Thursday morning for Clark, Cumberland, Effingham, Jasper, Crawford, Clay, Richland and Lawrence counties. Periods of moderate to heavy rain, along with scattered thunderstorms, are expected to continue through early Thursday. Localized rainfall totals may exceed 2 inches where storms repeatedly track over the same areas.
Communities including Effingham, Robinson, Olney, Flora and Lawrenceville could see rapid rises on small streams and poor drainage flooding in urban areas. Rural roads near creeks and low-lying farmland are particularly vulnerable to standing water overnight.
Emergency managers urge residents to monitor alerts and avoid driving across flooded roadways. Just a few inches of moving water can stall or sweep away a vehicle. Additional Flood Warnings may be issued if rainfall intensifies or waterways approach bankfull levels before sunrise Thursday.
