Update 8-31-12: From Meteorologist Erik Maitland
Isaac will cause steady rain on Saturday with rain tapering off from early Sunday thorough the day. Some areas south of I-80 could easily get 2 to 4 inches of rain during about an 36 hour window from late tonight through midday Sunday.
South of Hwy 34 some areas COULD GET IN EXCESS OF 4 TO 5 INCHES. Most of this will be accommodated by the dry ground, but areas that receive OVER 4 inches could be susceptible to at least minor flooding.
8-30-12:
After a long dry summer, we could get too much rain this weekend. According to Meteorologist Erik Maitland, the latest guidance shows a chance for at least one and possibly three to four inches of rain on Saturday through early Sunday, mainly in the area of south of highway 30 and increasing toward Macomb. Stay tuned to KWQC-TV6 and KWQC.com for updates on the rain track from Tropical Storm Isaac.
Meanwhile, the University of Illinois Extension Service says the latest five day plot from the Hydrologic Prediction Center at NOAA indicates that in excess of eight inches of rain could fall along a line from near St. Louis to Danville, Illinois. Three to five inch rains could occur in most of the state south of Interstate 80. That's why the extension service is sending out information on how to prepare for possible flash flooding:
Prepare Your Office: If your office has a basement or is otherwise prone to flooding, now would be a good time to make sure that sump pumps (if any) are operating properly. Valuable items should be removed from the floor and lower shelves if you are in the part of the state affected. If your building is equipped with downspouts and gutters check with your building owners or maintenance staff to make sure they have been cleaned. Make sure that any open windows are tightly closed. If the office is damaged, be sure to notify your regional director as soon as possible.
Events: If you have events scheduled for Saturday or Sunday, keep an eye on the weather and consult with local authorities as to the advisability of canceling or rescheduling.
Prepare Your Home: Again, if your home has a basement or crawl space make certain that any sump pumps are operational as most have been dormant most of the year. Make sure that all valuable items are up off the floor. Each home is different as to the use of drain plugs and such so make sure you have the necessary materials to prepare your home. Clean gutters and downspouts and consider temporary extensions of downspouts to move water well away from foundations. Make sure that your emergency supply kit is up to date.
Prepare Your Farm: Move animals to high ground or into shelter away from flood prone areas. Move all equipment to higher ground or shelter. Consider turning off vulnerable electrical circuits not being used.
Stay home: Many flooding deaths occur when vehicles are swept off roads. Only a few inches of rapidly flowing water can move a car. Remember the advice, "Turn around, Don't Drown." Never drive into standing water on streets and highways. Unless otherwise instructed, remaining at home is the safest course of action.
What if the worst happens? If your basement floods, never wade into the water until electricity has been turned off. You may think that all outlets are at a safe level, but appliances and equipment with electrical circuits may be flooded. In addition, many of us do not know where hidden electrical service may be behind drywall. As enticing as it might be, do not allow children or pets to play in flood water outside. In addition to the threat of being swept away, it is possible that sewage and other contaminants may be present. Once the water recedes, take your time before replacing drywall and paneling. Allow the studs and other framing to thoroughly dry. Wash with a mild bleach solution if necessary. Have electrical circuits examined by a professional electrician. To avoid future mold problems, it is often best to discard flood soaked carpet, padding, upholstered furniture, paper and cloth items, etc. If cleaning is preferred consult information posted on the Extension web site at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/disaster/ or in the flood areas of the websites of the Extension Disaster Education Network, www.eden.lsu.edu, or eXtension at www.extension.org .
Take photos of all damaged items before disposal.
If there is widespread flooding in your community, contact Rick Atterberry on campus for free copies of First Steps to Flood Recovery, a handy compilation of best practices fact sheets.
What about the drought? Officials at the National Weather Service observe that the drought conditions will actually exacerbate flash flooding. Ground that is dry and hard will not allow the water to soak in, at least initially, thus contributing to rapid runoff and flash flooding. In addition, structural engineers say that foundations surrounded by dry, cracked earth or where the dry soil has actually shrunk away may allow more water than usual to come in contact with the foundation wall leading to leaks and potential cracking. Some homeowners have reported settling of their homes, plaster cracks, ill-fitting doors and windows, and other problems during the drought. Those symptoms may continue once moisture returns to the soil, especially if the change is sudden.
Stay alert: Be sure to check local media over the long weekend for the latest information and make certain that your NOAA All-Hazards (Weather) radio is operational.
