Johnston Weather: Central Iowans Battle Flooded Basements, Yards Following Thunderstorms

If April showers bring May flowers, we better get more than we can handle.

Heavy thunderstorms moved across central and southern Iowa all day Wednesday and through the night into Thursday morning. Doppler radar estimates between 5 and 6 inches of rain fell across parts of southern Iowa, while many other locations received 3 to 4 inches of rain, reports KCCI Channel 8.

While we're pretty soggy here in Johnston and central Iowa, some residents battling wet and flooded basements, the worst seems to be in eastern and central Iowa.

Are you experiencing any rain-related problems? Seen flooded areas around town? Tell us about them in the comments.

Heavy rains in eastern Iowa caused a mudslide behind Mayflower Residence Hall in Iowa City, and flooding has caused many roads to close as waters knock right on the doors of local businesses.

If you plan to travel to any of the affected areas today, the Iowa Department of Transportation said the following highways are closed due to flooding, KCCI reported:

• US Highway 34 is closed in both directions at the intersection with with US Highway 65 west of Chariton. 
• US Highway 65 is also closed in that area, which is near the town of Lucas.
• Iowa Highway 5 is closed south of Knoxville, near the town of Attica. 
• Iowa Highway 92 is closed just west of Oskaloosa.

Forecast

So what can we expect the rest of the week?

If you're sick of snow, avoid northwest Iowa, which is under a winter storm warning and winter weather advisory at this moment.

As for us, the National Weather Service in Des Moines says rain is likely to continue through the afternoon, although only one-tenth of an inch of accumulation is likely. Rain and snow will mix overnight and should taper off before 1 a.m.

Tomorrow, we may actually see some sun. The forecast is calling for partly cloudy skies with a high in the mid-40s.

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