Heavy rains hit part of South Central Illinois Sunday evening, flooding some rural roads and delaying the start of the Ruby Leigh Concert at the Marion County Fair.
The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for parts of Marion County as a result of the heavy band of rain that moved up from the south.
The Salem Water Plant recorded 1.77 inches of rain in the 24 hour period ending at seven Monday morning for a two day rain total of 2.68 inches.
The Centralia Water Plant had .48 of an inch of rain for a two day total of 1.3 inches.
Those waiting to attend the Ruby Leigh Concert were kept out of the grandstand until the system had passed just before eight Sunday night. The fair board wanted to avoid any issues with lightning.
13-year-old Laila Smith of Louisville also wowed the crowd with her opening act before Ruby Leigh came out on stage and impressed the audience with her strong voice and singing variety.
The threat of thunderstorm activity also caused cancellation of the Greater Salem Area Foundation summer swim at the Salem Aquatic Center. It is expected to be rescheduled.
