Some isolated locations in South Central Illinois recorded nine or more inches of rain from the heavy thunderstorms that rolled through late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning.
The largest rain totals are being reported in the area between Xenia and Flora where up to 10.5 inches of rain was reported. Forbes State Park near Omega recorded 10 inches of rain. The Forbes State Park boat ramps are closed until further notice sending water over the emergency spillway. Park picnic areas and bank fishing are still open.
A number of locations around Iuka, south of Kinmundy and east of Iuka reported more than five inches of rain. As a result, Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps reports all of the low water crossings in the Skillet Fork bottoms are underwater.
Water levels are rising in the Kaskaskia River Bottoms. In Patoka Township, the crossings on Flat Creek are underwater. The crossings on East Fork are expected to be under by this afternoon. Other roads may be closed due to high water levels as well. You are reminded to not drown and turn around if you encounter high water across a roadway.
WJBD Facebook fans reported 5.5 inches of rain in Shobonier, 3.6 inches in St. Peter, and 2.46 inches at the Alma Weather Station.
The Salem Water Plant officially recorded 2.8 inches of rain. Southern Marion and Jefferson County largely escaped the storm. The Centralia Water Plant recorded just .33 inches of rain. In the Mt. Vernon area, most areas received just a quarter inch of rain.
