Full Notification

With temperatures expected to be above freezing through Thursday, expect a rapid snow melt. Some areas could lose all of their snow by Thursday. In addition, periods of rain are expected into Thursday. Rainfall amounts will be around 1 inch. Run-off from melting snow and rainfall will result in rises for most streams and rivers into late week, with an increased risk for flooding along many of the tributaries of the Mississippi River. The greatest concern for river flooding will be along the Turkey and Volga where major flooding is expected and Upper Iowa where moderate to major flooding is expected. At this time, the risk for flooding along the Mississippi River itself appears low this week, but may increase by next week. In urban areas, the effects of snow melt and run-off will be quicker and more easily noticeable where storm drains are clogged by snow and ice. Ponding of water in intersections and low areas may quickly develop. With ice on rivers and streams, there is also a risk for ice jams to develop, which may locally increase the chance for flooding. Those with interests along rivers and streams should remain alert for rising water levels and the threat of flooding the next few days. Now is the time to have a plan in place should flooding develop. The Flood Watch is now in effect for

* Portions of Iowa, southeast Minnesota, and Wisconsin, including the following areas, in Iowa, Allamakee, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Floyd, Howard, Mitchell, and Winneshiek. In southeast Minnesota, Dodge, Fillmore, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha, and Winona. In Wisconsin, Adams, Buffalo, Clark, Crawford, Grant, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, Taylor, Trempealeau, and Vernon.

* From Wednesday morning through Friday morning

* With temperatures above freezing through Thursday, rapid snow melt is expected. In addition, there will be around 1 inch of rain from tonight into Thursday night. Run off from melting snow and rainfall will bring rising water levels for many rivers and streams, with an increased risk of flooding. The greatest concern for river flooding will be along the Turkey and Volga where major flooding is expected and Upper Iowa where moderate to major flooding is expected. Additionally, break up of ice on rivers may lead to ice jam formation, which could heighten the risk for flooding in localized areas.

* Those residing near waterways should closely monitor conditions this week, and be prepared to take action if flooding develops.

* AFFECTED AREAS: LA CROSSE ... HOUSTON ... OLMSTED ... MITCHELL ... ADAMS ... MOWER ... WINNESHIEK ... FLOYD ... JACKSON ... TAYLOR ... JUNEAU ... CLARK ... VERNON ... WABASHA ... ALLAMAKEE ... CLAYTON ... DODGE ... FILLMORE ... HOWARD ... FAYETTE ... RICHLAND ... TREMPEALEAU ... WINONA ... CHICKASAW ... BUFFALO ... CRAWFORD ... GRANT ... MONROE

Instructions:

A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. Please monitor conditions and forecasts, and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.