Flash Flood Watch for Tri-Cities; More Rain Possible

With the possibility of more heavy rainfall in the forecast tonight and Wednesday, the National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch through Wednesday evening, June 26, 2013, according to The Weather Channel.

The watch, posted this Tuesday afternoon, extends through 7 p.m. Wednesday and is widespread, covering portions of northern Illinois and Indiana. Kane and DuPage counties are in the watch area.

“Thunderstorms are expected to redevelop this afternoon and evening and grow in coverage and intensity into tonight,” the National Weather Service watch states. “These will be capable of heavy rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour and potential training over the same area.”

In meteorology, training means repeated areas of rain, and when associated with thunderstorms, means excessive rainfall is possible, as is the risk of flash flooding, according to the National Weather Service  Glossary of weather terminology.

“This, on top of already saturated ground from recent storms, could produce flash flooding,” the weather service said.

Flash flooding, which the weather service describes as a very dangerous situation, can cause rapid flooding of creeks, small streams, roads, viaducts and low-lying areas.

The weather service advises people in the watch area to monitor later forecasts and to be prepared to take action should a flash flood warning be issued.

The Weather Channel forecasts a 30 percent chance of rain in the Tri-Cities area this evening.