Many Iowans were awakened by unfamiliar noises this (Wednesday) morning, claps of thunder and raindrops on the rooftop. Some communities that have seen precious little precipitation in weeks — even months — were hit with a deluge. Hydrologist Jeff Zogg, at the National Weather Service, says multiple flash flood warnings were issued early today as rainfall totals reached seven and eight inches in a few locations.
Traffic was slowed on many roadways, including Interstate 29 in western Iowa, due to a combination of standing water and a lack of visibility during the downpour.
The old adage of “When it rains, it pours,” had dual significance today, as drought-stricken areas badly needed the rain, just not quite so much of it over such a short period of time.
Wide sections of Iowa have been in drought for a few years now, and this precipitation is coming at a crucial time for farmers.
The long-range forecast calls for at least a chance of rain every day through Sunday. Despite cloudy conditions for most of the day, Kossuth County saw only a trace of precipitation Wednesday.
