Thunderstorms drench region

~ Flash floods plagued Cape Girardeau County as about 4,500 Ameren customers lose power.

Emergency officials urged Cape Girardeau County residents to remain home Sunday evening after responding to numerous calls of stranded motorists on flooded streets.

Heavy thunderstorms pounded the area during most of the afternoon and into the evening hours. The National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky., reported approximately 8 to 10 inches of rain fell in Cape Girardeau County throughout the day and expected an additional 2 to 5 inches would fall through the overnight hours.

The county was placed under a flash flood warning, and emergency officials barricaded many roadways due to rising waters. Major roadways such as Kingshighway, Broadway and Siemers Drive experienced flooding; Cape Girardeau's public information manager Tracey Glenn reported that most streets were open by 9 p.m.

Arena Park and other low-lying areas near creeks were flooded. Up to two feet of water were reported on Route C west of Gordonville.

Glenn also said an Ameren transformer blew up on Carolina Street. About 4,500 Ameren customers inside city limits were without power at 6:30 p.m. Telephone calls to Ameren were not returned late Sunday evening.

The Cape Girardeau Police Department was inundated with telephone calls throughout the evening hours, but reported no major weather-related accidents.

Numerous streets, including East Jackson Boulevard and West Main Street, inside Jackson and the City Park experienced flooding. The police department responded to several telephone calls from stranded motorists.

The National Weather Service reports a 70 percent chance of thunderstorms throughout today and into the evening hours. A cold front is expected to move through the area Tuesday, which should bring an end to the rain.