Heavy Rain, flash flooding, thunderstorms and possible tornadoes struck the region Friday as the remnants of Tropical Storm Bill moved through the quad-state.
Union County authorities asked people to not get out unless necessary as flooding made travel dangerous. By Friday afternoon the National Weather Service reported that Anna had already received more than 2.5 inches of rain. Anna Fire and Rescue reported city streets under water.
In other parts of the region, streets were closed due to high water - including in Carbondale near the Life Community Center and in Marion near Walt's Pizza.
Rainfall amounts are forecast to range anywhere from 1 to 5 inches with some heavier rainfall in isolated areas. The higher amounts are forecast to fall over the already saturated areas of southeast Missouri and southwest Illinois. A flash flood warning was in effect for much of southern Illinois through Friday evening.
Storm spotters reported that high winds damaged a business in Murphysboro and two barns in Marion County south of Salem. A possible tornado reportedly touch-downed causing damage to trees and a camper near the Sun and Sand subdivision in Lawrence County Friday afternoon.
National Weather Service meteorologist Ryan Presley says flooding conditions can change rapidly, so drivers, especially need to be alert to changing conditions and don't drive over roadways covered with water. State Route 3 at the Jackson-Randolph county line is closed because of high water. Forecasters are also predicting a crest of 41.8 feet for the Mississippi River at Chester by Monday evening. The river measured 33.7 feet on Thursday. Water will soon cover Kaskaskia Street and the north parking lot at the Menard Correctional Center, as well as the Chester bypass. Once the river hits 40 feet, forecasters say this will constitute major flooding and impact the Chester Water Intake House and State Highway 155 at Prairie Du Rocher.
The Big Muddy River at Murphysboro is forecasted to crest about ten above its 22-foot flood stage early next week. The Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau is expected to crest early next week about 11-feet above the 32-foot flood stage and the river at Thebes is expected to crest about nine feet above its 33-foot flood stage. The Ohio River at Cairo is forecast to crest at 46.5 feet next week. Flood stage is 40 feet.
Minor flooding is predicted for the Little Wabash River at Carmi.
