Heavy rain causes few problems in region so far

Weekend showers prompted flash-flood warnings in and around Cape Girardeau and brought half a foot of rain in some places.

The National Weather Service recorded 7.9 inches of rain in Cape Girardeau in 24 hours since Saturday morning, as measured by the Army Corps of Engineers.

A measurement in Jackson showed 6.1 inches during a similar time span.

The rain isn't expected to completely let up soon, either. Forecasts for through Tuesday morning indicate the majority of Cape Girardeau County sits just south of where the heaviest rain totals will fall.

Areas north of Cape Girardeau County are expected to see 3 to 4 more inches of rain. But from Carbondale, Illinois, to Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to Paducah, Kentucky, and in between, an additional 1 to 3 inches are expected.

Several instances of flash flooding were reported over the weekend. Most were in Illinois, although Hubble Creek in Jackson topped its banks and partially covered East Independence Street. The road was closed but has reopened.

"It's open momentarily, but it might have to be closed again with the amount of rain we're supposed to have here in the next couple days," said Sean Mitchell, a captain with the Jackson Fire Rescue Department.

As of Sunday afternoon, Cape Girardeau police had not responded to any calls about problems with flooding or the heavy rainfall.

The Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau is forecast to remain below flood stage. Hydrologic forecasts indicate the river will peak at 30.5 feet by Thursday or Friday. Minor flood stage at Cape Girardeau is 32 feet.

tgraef@semissourian.com

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