SIKESTON -- As rain swept through the area Wednesday, residents should prepare for more in store this weekend.
Multiple rounds of thunderstorms are expected Friday through Sunday in Southeast Missouri and portions of Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky, according to the National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky. Heavy rainfall is expected over portions of the region.
In addition, strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible through the period. At this time, the Weather Service said, the best chance of severe storms appears to be with a warm frontal passage Friday night, in addition to the cold frontal passage Sunday.
"Rainfall amounts and locations are subject to change, but there has been a fairly consistent signal to focus the heaviest amounts over portions of southeast Missouri into southwest Illinois," the Weather Services' hydrological statement on Wednesday.
This area could see 3 to 5 inches of rainfall with some locally higher amounts possible, the Weather Service said. Amounts are expected to be lighter further east over western Kentucky and southwest Indiana.
There may be a break in the precipitation on Saturday at many locations as a warm front lifts north out of the region. However, heavy rainfall chances will increase again Saturday night into Sunday as a cold front approaches from the west.
The heavy rainfall is expected to cause rises on some area rivers, particularly the smaller rivers in southeast Missouri such as the Saint Francis, Black and Current. Minor to moderate river flooding is possible, according to the Weather Service.
Due to the amount of precipitation expected over the next few days and residents must keep watch of the historically low water crossings for possible flooding, said Trey Hardy, director of the Scott County Emergency Management Agency.
The county, highway and public safety officials will likely put out barricades so it's important to heed those, and also not enter areas known to flood that aren't barricaded, Hardy said.
"Don't go around barricades," Hardy said. "Don't take a chance because you don't know if that surface (under the water) has already been removed. You know, historically, what it might do when it rains hard, but the unknown is what's beneath the water. Don't take the chance to go in regardless."
According to the University of Missouri Extension, most flood-related deaths are caused by people trying to drive through moving water. Most cars will float--and be swept away--in 18-24 inches of moving water. Trucks and SUVs are not much better with only 6-12 more inches of clearance, the Extension said.
Creeks and rivers can rise very rapidly, or the road bottom could wash away, making the water much deeper than it appears.
Once cars are swept downstream, they will often roll to one side or even flip over entirely. The driver has only a few seconds to escape.
"Many drivers panic as soon as the vehicle submerges and are found later with their seat belt still fastened," the Extension said. "Never, Never try to drive through moving water."
The best preparation for inclement weather is for individuals to take care of themselves first, Hardy said.
"Take care of yourself and then your family and neighbors," Hardy said. "If you're not taking care of yourself, you can't take care of the others."
Communication is essential, he said.
"Have some way to monitor the weather and observation. Be aware of your surroundings," Hardy said.
If it has been raining hard for several hours, or if it has been steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood, the Extension said. A flood watch means a flood is possible in your area. A flood warning means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
For this week's impending weather -- and beyond, make sure to stock up on bare necessities, such as food, water and medication, within reason, Hardy said. Have back-up batteries in place and fill up vehicles with their appropriate fuel, he said.
Those who have a generator, should place it outside of the structure, Hardy said.
"When the weather does arrive, get yourself into sturdy and secure location," Hardy said, adding people should put as many walls as possible between themselves and the threat.
Be aware, he said.
"If out and about, seek shelter and while out and about, observe your surroundings so you don't put yourself in jeopardy," Hardy said.